You managed to make a deal with a merchant heading south, and travel with him through the forest and to your destination: a small village named Freefield. The trip is peaceful, your presence apparently enough to scare off any bandit that would have attacked your caravan.

The village seems peaceful enough. Despite being so close to Death Forest, they seem more focused on growing wheat then on the logging industry. Most of the buildings are made of wood, except for a rather fancy manor overlooking the area, and a strangely designed stone building spouting billowing white smoke.

The smell of garlic and spices fills the air as you reach the tavern, followed closely by the sound of a crowd mumbling.

After finding a good place to leave his pony cart outside, Spriggy headed into the tavern. He was unconcerned about the murmurs coming from the townsfolk, since any stranger was usually the talk of the town in a settlement as small as this one. He was certain that rumors were already flying out of the mill at a shocking pace.

Spriggy nonchalantly walked up to the barkeep of the tavern and asked, "Say, would you happen to be able to tell me and my friends who we should talk to about the animal attacks happening in these parts? We have come to take care of the issue, if nobody else has beaten us to it."

Sir Gorrid remained outside and studied the area, trying to get a sense of the place.

quote:

15:08, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 2,6.  Discern realities.

What happened here recently?
Who's really in control here?
What here is not what it appears to be?

Russel finds a comfortable place near the cart to hang out. If any of the local kids come nosing about, he will ask them what they have heard about animals in the area causing trouble.

"The animals? Mom says we have to stay away from the forest 'cause the animals are agry."

"And that we have to eat our greens, and go to bed early, or they'll come and eat us in the middle of the night!"

The discussion rapidly turns into a list of all the ways the kids' parents are using that threat to get them to obey, making you wonder how they ever kept their children under control before.


Gorrid gets a sense that despite a few windows being boarded up because they lacked shingles, there's no signs that the animal attacked all the way into the village itself. As for who is in charge, the stone manor seems like the most probable home for them, if only because the richest person in the village tends to be in charge.

The second stone building is quite intriguing too. You can see a cart of wheat waiting to be milled, and you can hear the sound of metal being forged inside. But despite the smoke it gives, you don't see any place to store fuel outside.


Inside the tavern, some of the villagers seems quite surprised at Spriggy's declaration. "See? I told you Gordon would hire someone!" The barman shouts.

"Yeah, to keep milking us..." One of the nearer drinkers mutters. "The only one who could pay you guys would be Gordon. He lives on the hill, next to his forge and mill. You can't miss him, he's the one who doesn't have to get dirty for a living."

Sir Gorrid contemplated the unusual building.  A forge that didn't require fuel.  A village suddenly subject to unusual animal attacks.  He had a sinking feeling he understood what the problem was...

He strode over in that direction and headed inside.  He wanted to understand exactly what was powering the forge.

Buck followed Sir Gorrid, quietly taking in the village as he walked. He takes up a post, waiting outside the door as Gorrid entered the strange building.

Spriggy nodded and gave his thanks. He left a coin on the bar as a token of appreciation, then headed back outside to share his news. To Russel, he said, "They say Gordon is the one to speak to. Aparently he's the only one in town rich enough to pay us." He gestured to the big house on the hill. "I guess we should wait for Buckthorn and Gorrid to get back, eh? Or do you know where they are? We could bring the cart to them." He began idly petting Lydia, his pony. He wasn't in a rush, and so he was fine with waiting a bit.

Lydia shakes her mane as Spriggy pets her. Looking toward the manor, you notice Buckthorn and Gorrid reaching the other stone building. The two are not too far apart.


As Gorrid enters the forge, you get the impression that the building must be one of the oldest of the town. The place is pretty cramped, with base material well stacked along the walls, and tools hanging from the ceiling for lack of space. The demand for the blacksmith's work must have increased along with the size of the town, but no attempts were made to enlarge the forge, or replace it.

And when you look at the hearth, you get a good idea why. It's exterior surface is marked by various glyph, some glowing red-hot around the hearth's opening. Inside is a roaring fire, looking far hotter than that of a normal forge. And yet, the inside of the room feels cool and comfortable.

The blacksmith hammers at hot piece of metal until it cools, before turning to you. He's a young man, with brown hair far longer than you usually see on someone working next to a fire, and clothes that would have given heat stroke in any other forges you've seen. "Hello! Are you the adventurers Gordon hired?" He asks.

"We are responding to his flyer.  We have not yet spoken.  I was curious to see what manner of forge consumes no fuel..."

The knight examined the forge closely.  He'd have to have Spriggy take a look at the runes.  He was more interested to determine whether the flames showed any sign of sentience.

quote:

10:40, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,3.  Discern realities.

What here is not what it appears to be?

With some time on his hands, Buckthorn finds himself admiring the stonework of the forge building. As unnatural as crafted stone structures are, Buck often found himself drawn to them. Rocks being the most  difficult material the land has to offer, he held a respect for the deliberate determination of its crafters.

As the forge seemed likely the oldest construct in the area for quite some distance, he curiously ran his fingers over its surface and began to quietly hum...

Buckthorn rolled 7 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,1.  Communion Of Whispers (Forge)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Sun 03 Apr 2022.

Having seen where Gorrid and Buckthorn were, Spriggy began guiding his pony in their direction. "Looks like they are checking out the building over there. I wonder why."

"Oh yeah. Pretty impressive, isn't it?" The man points at the runes. "Gordon tries to pretend he made it, but we all know he's not skilled enough for that. We don't really know who made this thing, but it's too useful to ignore."

As he talks, Gorrid gets a good close look at the hearth. Even as close as you are, you don't feel the heat of the roaring fire. The fire seems normal, except for being strangely strong for it's size. The runes are more interesting. They resembles those used by orcish shamans, but engraved in a smoother, cleaner fashion.

Buckthorn feels about the building, and senses the presences of elemental spirits inside the building. They're small though, pretty much the equivalent of rats or small birds. You're not sure if they've been summoned here, or if they slipped in through a small gate to the elemental plane.

Spriggy gets closer to the building, and notices the building doesn't just look unusual, it's clearly been built in a very different manner than anything else in the village. More akin in architecture to the Nuatian Caliphate than the modern style of rest of the place.

"How long has it been here?  Also, what do you know of the job that we're here for?"

The knight frowned a bit at the sight of the orcish runes and uttered a brief prayer.

What here is evil?

When Spriggy got closer to the building, he could see why it had drawn his allies' interest. There was certainly something different about it.

He poked his head inside to see what his friends were up to inside. "You guys finding anything interesting in here?" he asked.

"Know anything about these glyphs?"

Sir Gorrid gestured to the engravings on the forge.

"Gordon could tell you more about the forge than I can. He's the one who knows how to make it work." The man sighs as he takes a seat. "As for the job, well... For the last month, a few people have gotten attacked when they went into the forest. It's not unusual for someone to get jumped by a wolf, or chased by a bear, but this month it got worse, with two or three attacks a week. We don't know what's causing it... not for certain, at least...

See... there's a druid who lives in this part of the forest. We don't know much about her, but we're pretty sure she doesn't take kindly to our loggers. Some of us think she's the one doing this."

As the blacksmith talks, Spriggy gets a good look at the glyphs. He easily recognizes them as old writing related to elemental magic. Specifically fire magic. The exterior enchantment is focused on containing the fire and heat into the hearth, while another (barely visible) set of rune inside the hearth opens a small gate to the plane of eternal fire.

The knight peppered the man with questions.

"Can you tell us a bit more about the attacks?  Did anyone survive who can describe what happened?  Anything common about who got attacked or when or where?  For those who didn't survive, what sort of injuries?  Evidence of feeding?

Also, tell us about the druid.  Where does she live?  What makes you feel she doesn't like the loggers?  Has anything changed in the last month - related to her or otherwise?  How old is the forge?"

"Well, most people survived the attacks. They pretty much all said the same thing. An animal came out of nowhere, and started biting or clawing at them as they fleed. The only thing they really have in common is that it happens in the forest, or close to it. I can't really tell you about those that didn't survive, we didn't really dare try to find the bodies of those that went missing...

And I'm not sure where that druid lives. I prefer not getting involved with her kind of folks.

For the forge... all we know for sure is that it was here before the village was built. Really, you'll have to ask Gordon if you want to know more."

While Gorrid spoke with the blacksmith, Spriggy continued to study the runes. He even went so far as to copy them into his song/spellbook. (In a safe way that would not cause the book to burst into flames, of course.) As he copied them down, it brought to mind a story he had come across a long time ago. It was a cautionary tale. A very old one, but certainly based in truth. About a wax candle-doll that played with fire magic in an unsafe manner. When it poked the "Eternal Flame," it received an eternal burn. A lit wick that could not be put out, causing the doll to slowly melt while it reflected on the error of its ways.

It was an obscure story. And had the sort of dark morals that only the oldest versions of fairytales could get away with.

But it prompted Spriggy to double check and make sure that the rune alignments hadn't been tampered with, and that there were no mistakes he could see that might suggest unsafe conditions. For all he knew, a small crack in the runes might be slowly leaking a "fiery fury" into the local animals, causing them to become increasingly agressive.

---

I would like to use my bardic lore to ask, "Is this forge sufficiently and properly protected to avoid the dangers of the plane of eternal fire?" Essentially, is it up to code?

quote:

Bardic Lore: Spells and Magicks

When you first encounter an important creature, location, or item (your call) covered by your bardic lore you can ask the GM any one question about it; the GM will answer truthfully. The GM may then ask you what tale, song, or legend you heard that information in.

"Was it always the same sort of animal that attacked?  Always only one?"

Looking closely, you see some of the runes are very old and were damaged, but someone has skillfully repaired them. With the lack of heat leaking out, and the complete coverage of the runes, you have no reason to think there's any danger from this forge.

"Now that you mention it, I don't think more than one animal attacked at the time. Though there's been a variety of different animals that attacked, like a bear, a wolf, a badger... One kid said a squirrel attacked him, but his dad said he just fell while running in the forest so I don't know for sure..."

Buck turns his attention to the large manor house nearby as the others press the forge worker for answers. He's hoping to find something useful to report back to Sir Gorrid about before they speak with its inhabitant. Does it appear someone is currently home? What are the obvious entrances and exits? Does it seem locked up tight or open and inviting?

Today: Buckthorn rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,3.  Discern Realities (Manor House) What here is useful or valuable to me?

"I don't think this forge is the source of the animal ire, if that thought had crossed your mind," said Spriggy quietly to Gorrid and the others. "It seems very well taken care of. Especially for a device as old as this one appears to be." Spriggy gave the blacksmith an approving nod. "I suggest we go have a word with Gordon, then go speak with the animals of the wilderness directly."

The manor seems quite normal, other than being fancier than any other houses in the village. A small trail of smoke is coming from the chimney, probably from a cooking fire. The front door it close, with a fancy knocker on it.

"Thank you for your time and assistance.  We'll let you return to your work."
The paladin gestured for the bard to lead the way and followed the group to the manor.

Buck greets the others with a nod outside the front door of the manor, gesturing for someone to approach and knock.

Spriggy took his cue from his fellow party members and when they all reached the manor, he approached the front door. "Fancy," he commented as he reached for the knocker. He gave it a quick rappa-tap-tap and said aloud, "Hello? We are told we should speak to a Mr. Gordon who lives here. It is about the wild animal attacks. We are answering the notice posted with the Phoenix Blades guild."

Idi steps up behind Spriggy when he knocks on the door, standing a step back so as not to crowd the door. He adopts what he likes to think of as a casual and charming manner, ready to back up Spriggy if needed when the door is answered. Although they'd called for adventurers, not everyone responds well to armed and dangerous folk showing up unannounced on the doorstep, and he didn't want things to start off on the wrong foot.

The door open, revealing a man in an ill-fitting butler outfit. "Oh, um..." He clears his throat. "Please come in, I will tell master Gordon of your arrival."

He leads you to a nice salon, before leaving you alone for a moment. You don't have to wait long until another man walks in, dressed in crimson robes. He looks rather old, perhaps in his late forties or early fifties. "Ah, finally! You've arrived! I was starting to worry this problem would linger long enough to really harm the village..."

As he takes his seat, the butler returns with tea and sconces. "Now... I'm master Gordon, owner of Freefield's forge and mill."

Freefield. Freefield... Buck turned the name around in his head over and over trying to think if he could recall ever hearing of such a place. Freecastle, Freemount, the Freewheeling Falls... he scratched his chin as he thoughtfully looked over their host in the crimson robes. After a few moments he gave up and supposed the forge musn't be THAT famous and he settled in to hear what the others had to say.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Fri 15 Apr 2022.

"Thank you for having us," Spriggy replied as he sipped the tea and grabbed a scone. He nodded his thanks to the butler and secretly wondered why the butler's clothes were not properly fitted. Were they new to the job? Did Gordon's old one get attacked by animals? It was impossible to tell, but still something to keep in mind for consideration.

Shifting his attention back to the conversation at hand, he asked, "So, what can you tell us about the animal attacks? We would like to put an end to this problem for you, if possible, but the more information we have, the better." He did not mention that they already got some information from the blacksmith because he wanted to hear Gordon's version of events untainted. He looked for any tells or signs of altered truths while he listened, just in case.

---

Using Discern Realities to try and notice if everything seems to be on the up and up.
20:10, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 4,4.  Discern Realities - anything fishy going on?

I will ask, "What here is not what it appears to be?"

With Spriggy making the first move on the complimentary offerings, Buck happily takes a scone and immediately starts in on it while helping himself to the tea. As the bard breaks the ice and begins the conversation Buck takes a subtle look around before grabbing another scone and retreating toward the back of the visiting group.

The butler looks rather young, and it looks like his suit tailored specifically for him. Overall, it looks like Gordon is a nouveau riche who's eager to live the rich life, but isn't sure how to go about doing it.

As Buckthorn thinks about it, you realize you don't know anything about this town. In fact, it feels like it's barely lived in, with only the forge have a real 'spiritual' presence. It's clearly a very new town.

"Of course. Well... we've had a few animals attacking loggers every years, but in the last few months, things have escalated. I think... it was two months ago that I think the first real incident too place. A brown bear attacked four logger as they were cutting an old dead tree. At first, we thought they had stumbled on a mother with her cub, but thinking back, the bear was unnaturally aggressive.

Since then, we've had more and more animals attacking people in or near the forest. Some of the farmers are blaming the local druid, but I doubt that. I spoke to lady Oakley a few times, and we had an agreement. We only cut what's needed to build our houses and a few dead trees for fire wood, and we replant three saplings for each tree we cut. Since my forge is magical, we don't need charcoal, so we don't need a lot of wood.

If something caused lady Oakley to change her mind, I believe she would have communicated with me, rather than send animals to attack us."

"Did anything else happen in the month or so before the attacks started to increase?  Any change in the forest?  Anything new in the town?  Anyone pass through?"

The paladin watched the businessman closely, praying quietly under his breath.

What here is evil?

"And not to be indelicate," Idi adds to Gorrid's questions, "but who in town might we talk to that saw or survived one of these attacks?" He sips tea delicately, looking back and forth between Gordon, his butler, and the trappings around them.


I'd like to see if I can get a read on Gordon (or the butler), things may be just as they say but I'm looking for signs that they aren't just in case.
Idi rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,2.

Since Spriggy already covered "what's not as it appears", I'd like to ask:
- Who’s really in control here? (Could be Gordon, it's his place, but any signs that it's not?)
- What should I be on the lookout for? (Any deceptions etc., if any?)
- What happened here recently? (Maybe nothing unusual, but are there signs of something unexpected?)

There's no sense of evil in the area, and the butler just looks like a young farmer who has only the vaguest idea what a butler is. Gordon himself is clearly the owner of this house, seeing how his clothing seems to match the style of decorations around the room.

"No, nothing unusual I can think of. We're pretty out of the way, so we don't get many visitors, other than a merchant once in a while."

"There was a rumble... like, about three months ago?" The butler says. "It happened when you were away, sir. It was just a small earthquake, so I kinda forgot about it."

"Really? Well, I don't know if it's connected, but it's been a while since I've been an adventurer..." Gordon shakes his head. "Either way, you can find two of the injured in the chapel. Whulfren and Xavion. Xavion got attacked by a lone wolf while cutting wood, while Whulfren was hunting when a deer decided to charge him instead of fleeing."

"And the attacks, they've been in the forest? That is to say, you haven't had any incursions into the town itself, rogue animals coming after people? Just those who have been logging, hunting..." Idi takes another slow and deliberate sip of tea.

"Others will know the wilds and animal nature much better than I," his eyes land on Buckthorn, inviting comment, but continues speaking to Gordon. "But for so many different kinds of beasts to be involved, and so many of them solo attacks. Well, it's strange, isn't it? Not what you hear in the usual tales."

"I think we should go have a quick word with the survivors/witnesses of the attacks, then try and find this druid, lady Oakley. If nothing else, I suspect she would have some insights. And she might know more about the suspicious rumble that coincidentally happened shortly before the animals began attacking." Spriggy actually suspected the timing was not a coincidence. "And if we run into any knowledgeable animals between here and there, Buckthorn or myself can maybe have a chat with them as well."

He turned toward their host, Gordon. "Is there anything more we should know before continuing with our mission?"

"The attacks have been taking place closer and closer to the edge, and the last two were out of it entirely. The town is far enough to be safe for now, but I fear some of the outlying farms could be at risks soon.

Other than that... all I can do is point you toward lady Oakley's grove." He gives you the direction toward a small glade, to the north-west of the town.

You quickly find the chapel, and are lead to a small room where two men are resting. "You want to know about the animals?" The less injured man says. "Yeah, I don't really know what I can tell you. I was cutting a log, when I heard a growl behind me. I turned around, and got jumped by a wolf. The thing was crazy. I managed to land a good hit with my axe, but it kept chewing at my legs until it died." He says, pointing at his heavily bandaged leg.

"Other than being unusually aggressive, did it behave differently in any way?  Did anyone collect the corpse?"

"It may be worth recording locations of all animal incidents on a map, if we can procure one."

Buck quietly mentions to Spriggy so as not to interrupt Sir Gorrid's questioning of the recovering logger.

Replying to Buckthorn, Spriggy said, "That sounds like a great idea. Maybe the head of this chapel has one. Would you like to go ask them? I would do it myself, but I want to try and help ease these guys' wounds if I can."

Then, more loudly so that he was also addressing the wounded villagers, he said, "Please ignore me while you answer Gorrid's questions. I am going to try and conjure up some healing music for you. Idi, is there anything you can do for them too?" He knew Idi had the potential for curative magic, but Spriggy certainly didn't want to assume the man was both prepared and willing to use his divine gifts in this exact circumstance.

Regardless, Spriggy began singing a soft tune off to the side while everyone else conversed.

---

Using Arcane Arts on one of the villagers to "heal 1d8 damage" and "their mind is shaken clear of one enchantment." I doubt the second one will do anything, but I get two effects so I might as well grant two effects.

19:53, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 7 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,1.  Arcane Art - Heal villager, remove mind's enchantment.
It works but... "On a 7-9, your spell still works, but you draw unwanted attention or your magic reverberates to other targets affecting them as well, GM’s choice."

19:54, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 6 using 1d8 with rolls of 6.  Damage Healed.

Buck unceremoniously takes leave of the small crowd within the chapel and seeks someone who has or can help him find a local map.

"I can't say, I was just too busy trying to stay alive to notice anything. As for the corpse, I don't think anyone did."

As Spriggy's music soothes the injured men, Buckthorn speaks with with acolyte of the chapel. "I did try to keep track of where the attack took place, but it's difficult to narrow them down on a map..." He draws a general map of the area, though it's somewhat bare. "No one ever bothered to draw a map of the place, since we're so out of the way. And there's not that many major landmarks in the area. As best as I could figure out, the attacks happened... here, then here, then here..." The locations are circled, starting in the forest north of town, and moving further and further south with each attack.

As the acolyte points out the last two attacks, he's interrupted by the sound of a broken window, as a large raven bursts into the room. With a loud CAW, it charges at Buckthorn.

Sir Gorrid's sword has cleared his sheath before he's even determined the source of the broken glass.  He swung at the bird with the flat of his blade, hoping to stun the animal rather than kill it.  Unfortunately the creature moved a bit faster than he'd anticipated and he mainly connected with tailfeathers.

quote:

11:05, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,4.  Hack & slash - stun bird.
11:05, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 2 using 1d10+1 with rolls of 1.

Idi shakes his head sadly, answering Spriggy. "No more than the next man I'm afraid, not at the moment. It is within Thovis's power of course, but I would need to pray on it a while, I have the Hunter's blessings focused in other ways right now."

At the sound of the smashed window, Idi springs to his feet and steps back defensively, looking around to see what the extent of the danger might be.


How close is the raven? Buckthorn went to talk to someone, I wasn't sure if that was nearby or not.

A look of concern crossed Spriggy's face when the glass in the next room broke, but he continued his healing song so that his progress would not be undone. And he visibly relaxed again when the sound of a crow cawing hit his ears. A bird running into a window was hardly a cause for panic. He was confident the others could handle a lone birdie while he continued healing the wounded patients.

Caught completely off guard Buck flailed, trying to defend himself against the determined bird, with one arm he reached to bring his spear shaft to the ready as a makeshift quarterstaff.

In the commotion the acolyte's map found its way onto the floor and Buck, surprised but not intimidated asked aloud;

"What, raven??" as if half-expecting the sudden intruder meant business.

The raven caws in an almost unnatural way. It's bleeding, badly, but still flies about making wild charges at everything that moves. It strikes at Gorrid's shield, bouncing harmlessly.

Buckthorn shouts at it, but the bird seems mad, repeatedly screaming at all to die. It seems it didn't even notice the horrible wound it was given.

Since the commotion seems to be just a single bird, Idi rushes into the other room just behind the others. He sees Gorrid's blade out, and having seen the damage the paladin can do with that--

"Gorrid, wait! We may learn more capturing than killing it!" A single mad animal, it fits the pattern. Idi quickly pulls the scarf off his head and when the bird loses momentum from running into something or someone, he makes a lunge to try and pin it wrapped in his scarf.


I don't know if this is the way we'll do this, but I'll make a Defy Danger (DEX) roll because that's my best guess. GM feel free to adjust the total if something else applies more, or ignore if it's not fitting!
Idi rolled 8 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 5,2.

"Idi is right!" Buck sounds off while dropping his spear and removing his fur trimmed cape to help in capturing the desperate bird.

"I wasn't *trying* to kill it!".  However, the paladin's protest was somewhat lost in the chaos.  He re-sheathed his sword before someone accidentally got hurt and did his best to not get in the way as Idi tried to grab the bird.

What here is evil?

You manage to catch the animal with your cloaks, but it keeps struggling. So much that you can hear sickening cracks as the raven breaks it's own wings while fighting your grasp. It's movements grows weaker, probably because it's loosing blood.

As Gorrid looks at the pinned corvid, you notice a faint aura of evil fading as the bird grows weaker.

When Spriggy finished his healing song for the villagers, he went to see what was happening with the bird. Even though it had attacked them, it was basically impossible for the bard to view the dying bird as an enemy. He figured it was probably enchanted somehow to do someone's (or something's) bidding. "I've got this," he said. And Spriggy began singing the same song for the bird that he had for the villagers. If he could keep it alive and remove any magic controlling it, maybe it could tell them what was going on.

---

10:07, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,4.  Arcane Art - Heal crow, remove mind's enchantment.
It works, but...

10:12, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  Damage Healed.

Sir Gorrid adds his prayers to the bard's efforts.  There was no need for the bird to die.

quote:

12:24, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,6.  Aid Spriggy.

You manage to stabilize the small animal, though barely. It's passed out, and still has it's malevolent aura.

Sir Gorrid examined the animal closely, trying to figure out if the aura was attached to anything in particular - for example, something on the feathers or possibly ingested.  Then he grabbed a sheet from one of the beds and wrapped it tightly enough it would be unable to move, though still able to breath and communicate.  Then he cast his own healing on it.

quote:

08:33, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,6.  Discern realities.
08:34, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,5.  Cure light.
08:34, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 6 using 2d8 with rolls of 4,2.  Healing.

Questions:
What happened here recently?
Who's really in control here?
What here is not what it appears to be?

I'll forget the spell

Russel keeps a sharp eye out for any out of place animals about.

After the breaking of glass, he even scans the sky for any other lone predators that may be flying about.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Wed 27 Apr 2022.

Gorrid cannot find any strange substance on the animal, who seems to have only calmed down because it's grown too weak to struggle. It's hard to tell, but it's eyes look bloodshot. In a way, the bird reminds you of the Orcish berserkers you once fought. It certainly acted as violently as one.

Outside, there doesn't seem to be any other animals in the area. Whether in the sky or on the land.

Idi steps back to let Spriggy and Gorrid administer to the animal. He examines his scarf—not ruined, but not something he wants back on his head before a thorough washing. He sighs and folds it up instead. "Something about this is clearly not right. I'm afraid I know little of birds, Spriggy or Buckthorn might get something from it though? I'm going to pray, and see what guidance Thovis can offer us."

Idi checks in with Russel before going any farther. "See anything? The bird made quite a spectacle, I didn't see anything else suspicious but I admit I was a little distracted myself. I'm going to prepare a prayer for guidance, but if you have any insights I'd welcome hearing about them while I get set up." Idi then sets off to find the chapel acolyte, hoping he can help Idi with a proper prayer service.


I'll want offerings for a proper petition, with luck the acolyte can set me up with that. I don't know if I'll have to convince him though! I'm not sure which god, if a specific one, this chapel (and acolyte) is dedicated to?

"The creature has been tainted with evil of some sort.  I have some holy water.  It might help to dispel whatever power influenced the creature and make it better able to share what occurred."

The paladin waited for the others to take whatever actions they wished and to raise any concerns before gently sprinkling the bird's head and wetting the sheet binding it with one of his vials.

Spriggy watched with interest to see if the holy water would have any effect on the bird. "Is the evil dissipating?" he asked those who could see the aura. Not only was he concerned for this one bird, but it would also help them plan for future encounters with ravenous wild animals if the water worked.

Washing the bird with holy water doesn't seem to have an effect, thought it's hard to tell with something so small, and with an aura so faint.

The chapel is dedicated to the Ghostwalk, and obviously the acolyte has the offerings you need! (And the motivation to help you, considering he just got attacked!) You go through the rituals, calling on Thovis for aid...

An image comes to you, of the raven flying over a black-and-white forest. It lands near a red pond, drinking it's water. As it drinks, it turns more and more red. Then, it flies out, until it charges into the chapel. You see Buckthorn catch the bird, and Gorrid tend to it. As Gorrid pours blue water over the bird, some of it gets into it's beak, causing the red to fade slightly.

Idi's eye flicker open after the vision, and despite the urge to share his insights right away he spends the moment needed to thank Thovis and finish the rituals properly. Then, he heads to find the others.

"Thovis showed us something about how the raven became twisted in its spirit. Tainted waters, somewhere in the forest, something evil I think. They passed that evil into the bird when it drank, it could do the same quite easily for any number of animals.

"The holy water is having some effect, Gorrid," Idi reassures, but with a frown. "Just... not a lot. If we're truly going to redeem the animal, it will take more, it seems. This must be a powerful evil. But we can't let the bird go on like this, leaving an evil in the world is against the tenets of the Ghostwalk. If its spirit can't be healed..." he leaves the rest unsaid.


If any PCs want to know the specific details of the vision Idi will willingly share them, feel free to assume so now or later.

"Perhaps a cage for our forest friend here while the raven recovers?"

Buck poses the question but it's fairly obvious he's made up his mind to act, hoping to find a cage or something appropriate to hold it rather than have to build something.

He whispers to the enwrapped bird to calm it.

"If the effect was caused by drinking, perhaps it can be reversed that way?"

He tried to slowly pour some of the holy water into the creature's beak, a few drops at a time, watching to see if there was any effect on the dark aura around the bird.

"Carefully... carefully..." Buck urged, holding the bird as steady as possible for Gorrid. He wasn't sure about the idea of forcing an exasperated creature to drink but Buck had rapidly grown more and more trusting of the knight's intuitions since meeting him not long ago.

"If you do find a cage, it'll have to drink eventually I assume. I hope it does. It didn't earn a dark fate, it's as much a victim as anyone. Recovery would be promising." But if it doesn't, I wonder if I'll have to do the messy work.

Spriggy watched with interest to see if Gorrid's holy water would have any effect. Almost absentmindedly, he replied to Buckthorn's comment about the cage, "Yeah, a cage would probably be good..." Then the bard's head snapped up as he realized he had a cage. "Don't worry Buckthorn. I've got the perfect thing. I'll right back."

Spriggy rushed out to his pony cart and returned with a small cage that the bird could fit in. It was designed for carrier pigeons to rest in (in case anyone ever sent them a message), but he figured it would do. "Here. This should work."

---

Using one Adventuring Gear to produce a birdcage.

The bird drinks some of the holy water, calming it down. The aura is still present, but it does seem to grow weaker. You assume it will take some time and a steady diet of holy water to fully recover, something the acolyte is willing to take care of.

"It explains why the animals are attacking... the only question is what tainted the water." He takes a moment to sweep the broken glass out of the way, before picking up the map he drew. "I'm guessing it most come from somewhere in that area, beyond where the first attacks took place. If you can find lady Oakley, she could probably lead you to it."

Russel gets an update on events from Spriggy while he is at the cart.
"Don't drink the water?" remarked Russel, "That seems to be a warning we hear a lot just not that it causes raging madness."

"Not the first time this Lady has been suggested. Perhaps it's about time we go speak with her." Idi places his hand on the bird's cage and mutters a short prayer, then thanks the acolyte for the assistance, and makes ready to leave the chapel.

After making a final check to insure you're ready, you head toward the forest to seek out the druid's glade.

OOC: I'll need a Scout and Trailblazer roll for your exploration. The trip is short enough that no Quartermaster is needed.

Idi says a short prayer before the group sets out, and his keen eyes are ever-vigilant. He whispers his mantras periodically while they travel, and occasionally pauses to listen to the guidance of Thovis, warning of dangers and hidden things along their way.


Just some colour narration for the Scout roll!
Idi rolled 8 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,1.

Buck struggles with the crude map the acolyte has drawn up, to the point where he wonders if he'd have been better off without it.

Buckthorn rolled 6 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,3.  Trailblazer

If things don't seem more promising soon, Buck is contemplating asking Idi to lead in one general direction while he takes flight or climbs a hill or tall tree to try and get better bearings on their situation and destination.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:39, Thu 05 May 2022.

Having had more experience dealing with a variety of scrawls, Sir Gorrid leaned over the the woodsman's shoulder and adjusted the orientation of the map and pointed out a couple of visible (though badly drawn) landmarks.

quote:

19:51, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 5,5.  Aid Buckthorn.

In reply to Sir Gorrid of Torr (msg # 77):

"If you ever find yourself headed to the Stinking Mire, I solemnly promise to create a proper and detailed map for your travel. You have my thanks."

Buck consults the parchment one more time, checking it against the horizon before resuming their trek.

The trip is more confusing than expected, mostly because Buckthorn gets more and more worried as you get deeper in the forest. Where the sounds of wild animal should be heard everywhere, you instead hear just a few birds in the distance. Even more worrying, you find a few animals clearly slain by fangs or claws, and not to feed.

You smell the glade before seeing it, a delightful mix of flowery scents filling the air. The druid turned her haven into a garden of wild flowers, watched over by a large oak tree. The place has a wonderful aura of calm over it...

At least, until you hear a strange growl, as an owlbear enters the glade.

"Careful," Idi warns, a little to late to avoid the danger spotting them but at least he could alert anyone who hadn't spotted the owlbear right away. He freezes in place, and slowly takes a couple steps back with hands out and down, hoping to convey a lack of aggression. "I'd have a hard time believing this is a simple coincidence," he muses quietly, looking around the glade again with a more discerning eye, then watching the owlbear for tells.


Seems like a good time for Discern Realities...
Idi rolled 9 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,2.
Dang, just one question. Alright, let's make it:

• Who’s really in control here?

Maybe the owlbear, maybe no one if it's a stand-off! Or maybe the druid has more control of this situation than is immediately apparent?

Sir Gorrid turned toward the owlbear and strode forward, his hand on his pommel, but keeping the sword sheathed for now.  "Might you be Lady Oakley?  If so, we come to help with the evil that's beset the forest, not to interfere with your domain."

If the creature *wasn't* the druid, he stood a good chance of getting swatted, but he could handle it better than many of the others.  And he didn't want to raise a sword against their would-be ally if this druid turned out to be like others he'd encountered and prefer animal to human form.

"Yes, we are her to help. Not hinder," added Spriggy. He hoped that if the owlbear was not the druid they were looking for, then it would still be able to understand him like normal animals.

Buck pulled up short, at the edge of the glade. He stood perfectly still amongst the foliage, intently watching the others attempt first contact with the owlbear.

Russel remained on alert near the cart. Keeping a sharp eye and ear open for anything that might be sneaking up behind them.

Before Gorrid can step too far, Idi stops him. Looking at the tree, you notice some recent claw marks, big enough to have come from the owlbear, and recent enough that the sap hasn't fully dried.  Considering the care that went into making this garden, it seems this monsters is an intruder rather than a guest.

"Wait, look," Idi says in a low voice. "I thought it might be the lady, or her pet, as well. But that owlbear isn't any friend of this place. I wonder if it's been touched by the same evil as the raven? Although it hasn't attacked--yet." Still, Gorrid was certainly the most suited to meet the creature head-on if it came to that, so Idi stayed a pace back.

"I can put a fear into it, but with an aggressive beast like that I can't say if it would run or fight in panic." It was a possibility he was offering, rather than a suggestion. He looked to the rest of his companions for ideas, or readiness should the owlbear decide to attack.

Being back by the cart, where the owlbear couldn't see him yet, Russel readied his bow.

"It hasn't attacked yet, so it's probably not completely mad.  If you can talk and try convincing it that we're prey too big to swallow, go for it.  If not, I'll convince it a different way..."

The sword slid easily from his scabbard as he readied himself if the creature decided to attack.  As he did so, he murmured some prayers to

quote:

14:12, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,5.  Cast bless.
14:13, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,1.  Cast magic weapon.

I'll forget both spells

"I... don't think it intends to listen to reason," Spriggy said hesitantly. "Not sure if it has gone mad, but it ain't friendly!" And with that Spriggy focused on shifting into a more powerful form. But his nerves were getting the better of him and he found it difficult to concentrate fully with the big owlbear staring menacingly at him.

---

Shapeshifting into a Man-sized Rhino Beetle.
20:17, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,1.  Shapeshifter - to Man-sized Rhino Beetle.
This should be interesting. "On a miss hold 1 in addition to whatever the GM says." Still get +1 XP though!

Buck stepped forward from the glade's edge, revealing himself, and spoke as he continued to curiously study the creature;

"An unnatural occurance, not just in these parts. If it were mad like the raven it would have blindly charged us. We should make a peaceful offering or a non-aggressive show of our might and numbers to lessen any interest it might have in challenging us."

Buck raised his arms to shoulder height and slowly outstretched his hands, opening his fur cloak intending to appear as large as possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:50, Sat 07 May 2022.

The owlbear seems so large and menacing... and as Spriggy transform, it just seems to get bigger and bigger... mostly because instead of turning into a man-sized beetle, you ended up as a cat-sized beetle.

The beast's claws dig into the earth, before it crouches and jumps... into the brush surrounding the glade. You hear it move around you, though you can't see where it is exactly.

"Someone want to check the hut for the druid?  The rest of us can stay here and keep an eye out for the critter."

quote:

07:00, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,4.  Discern realities.

What is about to happen?

(Trying to stop it from surprising us)

For a moment Spriggy had been worried that the owlbear had gotten larger, but then he noticed his allies and even the grass had gotten larger too and realized what was going on. He had never shrunk in this form before, so he was unsure what had gone awry.

But seeing as how he was currently no match for an owlbear, Spriggy nodded to Gorrid's suggested and moved toward the druid's hut for investigation. He opened his clumsy beetle wings and flew higher than he hoped the owlbear could reach and intended to circle the dwelling from the air.

---

I will go Discern Realities on the druid's home:
08:18, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 12 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 6,5.  Discern Realities - druid's home.

What happened here recently?
What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is not what it appears to be?

The owlbear seems to be looking for a good place to jump the weakest link of your group, whoever that may be.

The druid doesn't seem to have a hut, at least not in this glade. But now that you're close to the ground, you can see spots of blood between the flowers. By the looks of it, someone stumble through the glade, injured, until they reached the oak. And then... they vanished. The tree doesn't seem to have any entrances, but perhaps a druid could get inside it in another way.

"Well this isn't going well," Idi mutters as he quickly grabs his shield in one hand, and pulls out his small mace with the other. For all the good they'd do against a large, vicious predator, but better than nothing. He scans the brush and tree line, listening for every twig snap, shield ready and in a defensive stance, just in case.

"I'm afraid my experience with owlbears is, ahh, limited. Anyone have any idea if it might be persuaded to leave? Or does it just love mauling this much? Damned surly beast." Under his breath Idi starts murmuring prayers too quiet to make out, ready to ask Thovis for intervention if it comes to that.


I'm going to Defend myself for now.
Idi rolled 8 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 5,2.
I don't know if the +1 from Discern Realities would apply to this, but it won't be a difference-maker either way.
HOLD: 1

Russel takes the opportunity to apply some Belladona to his arrow.
He figures that if paralyzed the Owlbear would be much easier to deal with.

Buck takes another small step forward, hoping to keep things at a standstill and the Owlbear second guessing its next move at least for a bit longer.

"Owlbears are incredibly interesting creatures..." he begins talking in a slow and steady manner, maintaining eye contact with the beast.

(Today: Buckthorn rolled 8 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,6 Spout Lore (Owlbears)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Mon 09 May 2022.

Sir Gorrid subtly positioned himself with his back to the halfling as the woodsman slowly moved closer to the bush.  At the same time, he watched the reflections in his sword and listened carefully for any sign of movement behind him.  His body was prepared to spin and sprint as soon as the creature revealed itself.  If the owlbear wanted easy pickings, best to let it think it could have some.  But the knight was fully prepared to protect his new friend.

quote:

20:12, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,4.  Defend Buckthorn.

You know owlbears are vicious creatures, always eager to kill anything their size or smaller. Once they find a prey, they will keep chasing them as long as they can. They're also not usually too bright, though some can get disturbingly clever.

As in... clever enough to try to knock a tree over your party, as you're seeing right now. How do you escape the falling threat?

Once Russel sees that the Owlbear has turned aggressive, he positions himself where he can get a shot.
He thinks that the height from the top of the cart would be good so, he climbs while everyone is scattering from under the falling tree.

The goods on the cart were not stacked to be stood on and Russel finds footing is not as stable as the city streets he is used to.
13:38, Today: Russel Albion rolled 2,4 using 1D6,1D6+3 with rolls of 2,1.  Volley.

Spriggy, still in bug form, had climbed up the oak tree the blood trail ended at, searching for a way in. But by the time he reached the branches, a tree began to fall toward his party. Not much he could do about it, but the bard did return to his bard form up in the lady Oakley's oak tree while he watched the other tree fall.

"Lady Oakley, if you can hear me, I'll share a healing potion with you if you can help us with this owlbear situation!" He wasn't picky with how she helped either. Fight it, drive it away, get his friends away from it, whatever. He just wanted his friends to be safe.

---

If lady Oakley can hear Spriggy, I am attempting a Parley using a healing potion as leverage.

09:23, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 11 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,5.  Parley with lady Oakley.
"10+, they do what you ask if you first promise what they ask of you."

"Tree!" Idi calls out, though no one could miss the the splintering sound that cracks like a thunderbolt. He springs away to the side as it topples, trying to stay free of the many branches.


I'm assuming if it's already falling we need to avoid that somehow? Like Defy Danger (Dex)...
Idi rolled 11 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 5,5.

Is the owlbear visible after pushing that tree?

Sir Gorrid caught a glimpse of the reflection of the falling tree and turned, dropping his sword.  He could possibly spring out of the way, but that wouldn't help his companions.  He wasn't strong enough to 'catch' the falling trunk, but perhaps he could at least deflect it from fully landing on himself and his companion?  He bent his knees and arms and prepared to shove the crushing danger slightly to the side.

quote:

11:13, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 2,1.  Defy danger - strength.

I'm guessing my sword is now buried under a fallen tree...
If the fall would do significant damage to Buckthorn, I'll expend hold.

Buckthorn tucks his spear and rolls away from the worst of the falling tree, extremely disappointed this animal chose violence.

Thankfully, Gorrid wasn't directly under the falling trunk. But the tree, although dead, still had plenty of branches. You're pretty much caught in a cage of dead branches, with your sword somewhere in that mess...

Russel had a good view of the owlbear as the tree fell. Too bad Lydia wasn't keen on staying close to the crashing trunk, leaving you struggling to keep your balance on the cart as she runs out of the glade, away from the noise.

The branch under Spriggy shivers. At first, nothing seems to happen, until you notice a swarm of bees flying down from the higher branches of the oak, heading toward the owlbear.

Idi safely gets away from the branches, and sees the owlbear near the broken tree stump. Right before it charges after it's chosen prey... Russel and the fleeing cart.

Sir Gorrid ripped at branches, cracking the largest ones out of his way as he made his way out from under the tree and charged towards the owlbear, bellowing at the top of his lungs in a clear challenge, hopefully distracting the creature from attacking Russel.

quote:

08:35, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 1,2.  Defy danger (STR) - get out of branches.

I'm glad I've got bless...

Buck pops up, a mess of twigs and leaves covering his fur cloak, and immediately begins pulling and snapping branches to free the struggling knight.

Buckthorn rolled 10 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 4,5.  Aid in freeing Sir Gorrid (+1 for Bond).
This message was last edited by the player at 16:55, Thu 12 May 2022.

Russel was glad he didn't fall off the cart as it careened behind behind the fleeing Lydia.
13:24, Today: Russel Albion rolled 4,4 using 1D6,1D6+3 with rolls of 4,1.  Defy Danger (DEX).
Dancing around on the back of the cart he moved towards the bench and where the reigns were lashed.
While the speeding cart was keeping ahead of the Owlbear, a collision would be bad all around so once he had the reigns in hand he took control of the cart.

I'd rather Gorrid did this part... But one quick glance at the knight showed that it might take a moment to get free of those branches, and they might not have that moment. Idi took off at a sprint after the owlbear, with more thoughts of distracting it than confronting and stopping it. He called out a quick prayer under his breath, and finished in a loud voice:

"Stop monster, in the name of the Hunter! By His command, flee!" He smashed his mace against his shield as he ran; the noise wasn't especially loud, but with the magic it would be enough.


Casting Cause Fear on the owlbear, with the object of fear being my shield.
Idi rolled 12 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,4. Cast a Spell (Cause Fear).
I have Empower, but I'm not sure what "double effect" would even look like on this, and I don't need two targets so I'll just take the 12 as-is.

Spriggy gasped as the owlbear began running toward his pony. "No! Lydia! Russel and Lydia, come this way!" The bard prepared to cast a magic missile spell at the beast, but held off to see if the bees and Idi managed to keep it away. He wasn't sure if harming the owlbear would make Idi and Lady Oakley's plans less effective or not.

Gorrid frees himself of the branches, and between his shouts, Idi's spell, and the insect bothering it, the owlbear races out of the glade, and out of Spriggy's sight.

The cart barrels out of the glade in the small path you first took to get here. Russel manages to get a hold of the reigns, but as you prepare to slow down, you realize the owlbear is still running directly toward you, taking pretty much all of the trail as he bears down on you.

Is anyone (other than Russel) aware that he is in danger?

You all bore witness to Russel's unwilling escape, and of the owlbear's pursuit.

"That owlbear won't quit, Russel and the pony are in trouble." Buck announces flatly, quickly moving away from the fallen tree as he readies the bolas from his belt. With just a short glance back Buck is unsuccessful in locating Spriggy, then he takes off at a full run in the direction the cart exited the glade.

Russel glances back to see the Owlbear barrowing after the cart.
Instead of trying to slow it, he guided it back down the path the way they had come.
<Not sure which will tire out first, the pony or the Owlbear>, he thought.
<If I try to use my bow, can't guide the cart. Gotta hope the Owlbear tires first.>

Now free of the branches, the aged knight charged forward showing more energy than one might expect for his advanced years.  He'd worry about grabbing his sword later.  For now, his objective was to get into position where he could take any blows the creature chose to land.  In the worst case, he could attack with his gauntleted hands.

quote:

18:47, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,3.  Defy danger - Con.

Trying to get to the potential victims before they can be attacked.  If I can use my +1 from my previous discern, I will.

Buck can hear his armored friend take up the chase and he offers his spear to the old warrior as Gorrid's large steps quickly eclipse Buck's in their charge after the cart.

"Go!" is the only word he offers with the weapon as they run.

"Lydia!" yelled Spriggy as the owlbear continued to give chase to his trusty beast of burden. Of course he was concerned for Russel too, but Russel was far from helpless. Spriggy immediately clamored down from the tree branches he was sitting on and was alread focusing on shifting his form by the time his feet hit the grass below.

"Idi, hop on!" requested Spriggy just as a beautiful mane erupted from the back of his head, and the bard lurched forward into four powerful hooves. He galloped forward in the form of a horse, doing his best to catch up to his pony friend. He hoped that if he could transport the cleric and his fear magic, they might still be able to direct the owlbear safely away from Lydia, Russel, and the cart.

---

Spriggy is dropping from the tree and shapeshifting to a horse to chase after the cart. Hopefully picking up Idi on the way with his "Carry a Friend" horse move, of it makes sense for the move. Then I will also use the "Move Swiftly" move.

06:17, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 13 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 6,6.  Shapeshifter - to horse.
3 Hold. Using one right away to Carry a Friend, and another to Move Swiftly.

quote:

Horse (Kharla's riding horse)
-Move Swiftly (you're already faster than humans, but you can go even faster if needed)
-Carry a Friend (you'll be giving a free 'Aid' to your rider's Hack and Slash)
-Kick Someone (you can Hack and Slash as normal, but that will let you get rid of a foe right away)

Russel keeps the cart on track, keeping ahead of the owlbear, though not by much. After taking a glance back to see it's keeping pace, you notice the sound of rushing water ahead. That reminds you, the trail you took followed a swift river, before bending toward the glade. And right now, if you miss that bend, you'll find yourself flying into the rapids...

With Spriggy's help, Idi passes Gorrid and Buckthorn, and catches up with the monsters. Now to figure out how to stop it...

Gorrid manages to get in sight of the owlbear, seeing it between the branches. You could throw Buckthorn's spear at it, if you wanted. Or you could try pushing yourself even faster, to try cutting through the branches as a desperate shortcut.

The knight considered throwing the spear, but ranged combat had never been his forte - and if he missed the owlbear, he risked hitting the pony or his friend.  Instead, he veered to the side and braced the spear behind his shield as he charged through the trees like a raging bull, the branches exploding in front of him, not even slowing him down.

quote:

11:33, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 1,6.  Defy Danger - Str.

I think Str is appropriate.  If it needs to be Con, that's a 9.  If it needs to be Dex, then a 7.

The lift from Spriggy had taken Idi a little by surprise—he'd have to get used to that shapeshifting magic—but he put it out of his mind. Bigger fish to fry, or as it happened to be now, owlbears.

"Can we get between them?" he calls to Spriggy over the wind rushing by with frantic speed. "To drive it away from the cart!" Idi shifts on the horse's back (no, Spriggy's back, not just a horse), trusting Spriggy to coordinate in a way that no regular horse could. He readies his shield, to hold aloft and brandish at the owlbear. In the name of Thovis the Hunter, of course.


The plan here is to use the fear that's been cast on the owlbear to keep it from getting to the cart. Scaring it off would be great, but distracting it would do. However, I'm not sure if/what move that's going to trigger right now. Do we need to manoeuvre in front of it? Or can I lean in and scare it from here?

Spriggy neighed in agreement to Idi's plan. It seemed they were thinking similarly about how they might deal with the owlbear. The bard's hooves continued to dig into the dirt as he barreled forward and attempted to put himself and Idi between the cart and the owlbear.

Unfortunately, running generally fast was a completely different skill set than performing maneuvers in a heavy horse body...

---

I am guessing a Defy Danger will be needed here. This seems like it involves "acting fast," so I will add my +0 dex to the roll.
21:21, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 3 using 2d6 with rolls of 2,1.  Defy Danger + Dex, get ahead of owlbear.
Oof! Don't tell me, Spriggy breaks his leg as a horse and the party has to put him down... Still, +1 XP!

Crashing through the branches, Gorrid gets just a bit ahead of the owlbear. The perfect position to  jump on the monster, or at least take a swipe at him. Spriggy also manages to pass it, though he needs to gallop quite close to the trees to do so. No problem, their branches are high enough to pass under without trouble.

Too bad Idi was too focused on the owlbear, and didn't notice the branches... until one hit him in the chest, leaving him dangling over the trail as Spriggy races ahead.

"Neigh!" said Spriggy in alarm as Idi was suddenly no longer on his back. He considered stopping to check on the guy, but ultimately decided to keep going. He figured Russel and Lydia were still in more danger than the dangling cleric.

So Spriggy rushed forward some more and tried his best to deliver a devastating horse-hoof kick to the owlbear. The effort consumed the last of his shapeshifting magic though, and Spriggy could feel his shape reverting to his natural form.

---

Using my last hold to use my Kick Someone horse move on the owlbear.

Buck lowers the bolas as he falls behind the action and concentrates on running to catch up with the others, he watches as Idi is abruptly removed from the horse and see Sir Gorrid break out of the treeline.

The knight stepped out in front of the attacking creature.  "You had a choice, you chose to die."  And with that, his fist slammed into the creature's chest.

quote:

19:02, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 2,2.  Hack and slash.
19:03, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 21 using D10+3d4+1 with rolls of 10,2,4,4.  Damage .
20:16, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 3 using d10+2d4 with rolls of 1,1,1.  Correct damage.

:( :( :(

I *Really* would have liked to have kept that first roll and just ignored the final d4 and +1...

Russel keeps one eye behind him to gage how close the Owlbear is.
If/when it stops chasing the cart, Russel will stop it and try to determine if he is within bow range.

Spriggy kicks the owlbear, making it stumbles for a moment. It spoils Gorrid's blow, but it does leave the paladin able to get ahead of the monster. Buckthorn manages to get close enough to assist in the battle.

Russel sees the owlbear slow down a bit... but as he looks ahead once more, he realizes he's going too fast to safely turn as the path ahead reaches the river. What do you do?

Remembering the spear he'd been passed, Sir Gorrid pulled it out from behind his shield and stabbed the creature, trying to keep its focus fully on him.

quote:

11:52, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 3,4.  Hack & slash.
11:52, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using d10+2d4 with rolls of 3,2,2.  Damage.

Spriggy briefly looked back to where Gorrid was now fighting the owlbear, but didn't slow down any more than he had to. He figured Gorrid would be alright, but Lydia and Russel might not be. "Lydia, watch out!" He scrambled as fast as his elven feet would allow, which was no where near as fast as he would have liked. He considered shapeshifting again, but didn't know of a form that could actually help at the moment. So he remained an elf for now.

Dazed, Idi stumbles to his feet, and staggers after the cart and his allies pursuing it. Oh, and the owlbear--can't forget the owlbear. He builds back up to a full run, knowing he won't beat anyone there but hoping to be in time to help.


Is there any roll or damage or anything associated with Spriggy taking me out with a tree branch? :)

Realizing that the rapids of the ford ahead could break the wheels off the cart, Russel tries to slow the cart as much as possible.
He gets the bright idea that by jumping from the bench to Lydia, he can draw her to a stop faster than fighting the reigns.
20:45, Today: Russel Albion rolled 9,6 using 1D6+3,1D6 with rolls of 6,6.  Dex to leap to Lucy and draw her to a stop.
With a daring leap he catches himself on Lucy's neck and planting his feet, he attempts to draw her to a stop before the cart is damaged.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:56, Sun 22 May 2022.

Russel jumps on Lydia, surprising the donkey, and making her stop very suddenly. Before Russel had the chance to brace himself. While the cart stops short of the river, the thief slips forward, and into the cold water. Thankfully, the water isn't too deep, and he missed any sharp rocks when landing.

Idi got his breath knocked out, but is otherwise fine, and able to join Gorrid in fighting the owlbear.

Said owlbear screeches as Gorrid stabs it, but it can only flail about as the bees keeps harassing it.

The paladin slashed at the creature again, though its random movements as it tried to fight the bees made his attack somewhat less effective than he might have hoped.

quote:

09:27, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using d10+2d4+1 with rolls of 1,4,1.

Not a great roll, but hopefully still enough to drop it...

Picking himself out of the cold water, Russel quickly wades back to the cart and calms Lydia before the nearby fighting panics her again.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:56, Sun 22 May 2022.

Already the worse for wear without actually engaging the owlbear, Idi nonetheless charges forward, shield held out ahead of him--both to drive forward the fear he put on the creature, but to ward off any blows as well. His mace he keeps ready, but held in a defensive position.


I'm going to focus on defending myself (the Defend move), and let either the spell's effect or Gorrid take care of the rest. For now. Hopefully.
Idi rolled 6 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,4.
Nope... unless Buckthorn's able to Aid the Defend roll?

As Idi moves to join the fray, Buck loudly clacks the bolas together and from a distance, feins aggressive posture as if he were going to charge the beast.

Buckthorn rolled 5 with rolls of 4,1. Aid Idi.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Fri 20 May 2022.

The owlbear stands up straight, ready to strike down Gorrid, only for the paladin to stab the creature in it's heart. As Buckthorn and Idi moves closer to scare it off, the creature falls... on them.

Spriggy and Russel manage to calm down Lydia, and return to the rest of the group. They find Gorrid standing over a pile of muscle and feathers, still twitching and making strange muffled noises.

Sir Gorrid pulled out the spear and set it against a nearby tree.  Then he grabbed one of the dead creature's limbs, braced his feet and pulled, rolling the body off his companions.
 He helped them up, then passed Buckthorn back his spear.

"Thanks"

quote:

11:52, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,3.  Defy Danger - Str.

Buck doubled over at the waist, wheezing for breath as he took the spear from Gorrid and leaned on it heavily. He weakly held up one hand to signify he needed a moment to collect himself.

Spriggy was breathing heavily by the time he had caught up to Russel and Lydia, but he couldn't be happier that Russel had managed to keep the pony from going into the river even if Russel ended up taking a dunk himself. "Thanks Russel. I owe you one. I believe I owe those bees a healing potion as well..."

After guiding Lydia and her cart back around, Spriggy checked on his friends to make sure they were alright. "Are you guys okay? Sorry I lost you on that tree, Idi. I owe you one too. I seem to owe a lot of people right now. Should we head back to that oak now that the owlbear isn't a threat anymore? I believe those bees that helped us were courtesy of Lady Oakley."

He tapped the huge owlbear with his toe, testing to make sure the big beast really wasn't going to get back up again. "Should we be doing anything with this guy? I suppose Lady Oakley would know the answer to that."

"It's interesting that the Owlbear was not crazed like the other animals," mentioned Russel.
"Might have been much worse if it had been," he added in a relieved tone, while patting Lydia.

"Let's leave it here for now.  We can see what the lady says.  I'd rather not lug it anywhere unnecessarily..."

After assuring himself that his companions were alright, he headed back up the trail to where the tree had been knocked over and started looking for his sword.

Idi climbs to his feet, catching his breath again with deep gasps. He pulls together what dignity he can. "Everyone's ok? Well, I suppose we can call that a 'win', then." He takes a moment to pick dirty and feathers off himself. "But agreed, we were here to see a lady." With a little more caution this time, Idi heads back to the glade.

You return to the glade, and gather near the tree there. After a few moment, the bark seems to shift, then open to reveal an Elven woman with green hair, who stumbles to her knees. You can see she's badly wounded, most likely because of an attack by the owlbear.

When Lady Oakley revealed herself, Spriggy hurried forward to offer the healing potion he owed her. It was a small glass jar full of thick green ooze with a dehydrated mushroom suspended in the liquid. "Here is the potion I promised. Thank you for your help. What happened, if you don't mind me asking?" It seemed obvious that she had been attacked by the owlbear, but he thought she might have more specific details that could be relevant to their mission.

"Actually, I have some healing ability.  Might we try that before we use a potion?"

quote:

11:03, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,2.  Cure light.
11:04, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d8 with rolls of 3,4.  healing.

I'll forget the spell
Used Hospitaller

"T-thank you..." The woman says, leaning against the tree, before shaking her head. "Where to start... I am Oakley, the guardian of this forest. Lately, the animals of the wood turned... unnaturally violent. They started attacking anything that moved, for little reason. By the time I noticed, a lot of the larger animals had fled or been killed. I've sought out what caused this, but... that owlbear. It used to live further north, but I guess the lack of prey sent toward here. He caught me by surprise, and injured me before I could really defend myself. All I could do, was retreat here, and hide in my tree."

"Tell her of your vision, Idi." Buck casts his eyes toward the slender cleric.

Idi nods at Buckthorn's suggestion, and seated himself near the tree. It wouldn't be a long recounting, but he wanted the lady Oakley to feel free to sit if she needed to.

"... And so it seems something is infecting them with evil, through those waters," he finishes after giving a detailed recounting of the vision he saw. "And now we've seen secondary effects too, it seems. The evil causes disruptions as it spreads, and those disruptions can have their own consequences.

"I wonder, lady Oakley, if you know of anyone—or anything—that might want to spread this kind of poison here? Or could, for that matter?"

"In the water..." She thinks for a moment. "There no one else living in these parts of the woods... not anymore, at least. I have found an old tower though. It seemed abandoned for more than a century. I think it belonged to a mage, but little survived inside it to examine. Perhaps something in there was disturbed?"

She looks into the sky, whistling something. A moment later, a bright red Cardinal lands on her hand. Lady Oakley whispers to it, and sends it flying to the edge of the glade. "This bird will guide you there... I need to rest..."

"Well it's worth checking, and as good a lead as any. Thank you for your time lady, we'll leave you to your recovery. But if we do find anything, we'll let you know—better to be safe." With that Idi rises, bows slightly to Oakley, and moves back to the edge of the glade to make preparations for the next leg of their journey. When there's a moment, he asks Buckthorn quietly "I'm going to make offerings to Thovis later, if you spot something appropriate on our way through the woods—good berries or fruit, herbs or medicines—I'd be grateful if you pointed them out. I've done plenty of travelling, but little of it living from the land."

What time of day is it?

"Of course Idi. Many take from our environs, but few take time to learn and truly live with them."

Buckthorn has never seen himself as an educator, and Idi's thoughtful request casts the cleric of Thovis in a new light in his eyes.

This might be a good bond seed for the future
This message was last edited by the player at 18:12, Thu 26 May 2022.

Sir Gorrid ensured his sword was clean and prepared to move out.

It's about mid-afternoon, and the bird is bright enough that you can spot it easily.

Buckthorn finds a good collection of medicinal herbs, including bloodroot and wild ginger. After a while, while approaching a house-sized rock formation covered in plants, you start noticing something wrong with the smaller plants. The normally green stems and leaves are turning red, while the flowers seems to turn an unusual purple color.

Your bird guide lands on the rocks, and waits there.

Russel comments, "I'm not a woods guy but looks to me like the plants are sucking up whatever that red water is."
"Not sure how violent plants can get but I wouldn't want to eat any of them."

Sir Gorrid looked around the area to see if he could identify any hidden risks - in particular whether the discolored plants might now be more dangerous than usual.

quote:

11:01, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,5.  Discern realities.

What here is not what it appears to be?

Idi nods at Russel's caution. "You're right, they could be dangerous. If it came to it, Thovis could purify enough to eat, but I wonder if they're even safe to touch... If the damage can't be undone, it may need to be burned out," he sighs, clearly not loving the idea of cauterizing chunks of land. But to let it stand would violate sacred law.

"This place is unsettling, and growing more so. I'll see what Thovis would have us do." Idi pulls out the bronze spearhead, symbol of his faith, and holds it in front of him almost like a compass or dowsing rod. Then he prays quietly:

"Thovis guide me as the bow guides the arrow;
let me fly true, let me bite deeply.
Show your will to me, guide this arrow,
and I will follow."


I'm going to cast Guidance (rote), it doesn't give a TON of info but maybe it'll help--at least I might know if Thovis wants me to head on in to this place, or do something else!
Idi rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,4.

"This pile of rocks is a tower that used to belong to a mage?" asked Spriggy. He began looking for any type of distinguishing markers that might reveal any pertinent details about its history. He also eyed the strange plants suspiciously. "Lydia, don't eat any of this stuff," he earned his pony.

---

If this rock pile really is part of the place they were headed toward, I would like to use my elf move. "When you enter an important location (my call) you can ask the GM for one fact from the history of that location."

If the weird plants are magical, I would like to use my Bardic Lore. I will ask, "What causes plants to transform in this manner?"

Buck tucks some of the nicer specimens of bloodroot and wild ginger into his leather shoulder satchel for safe keeping until he has a chance to speak with Idi about them.

As the party approaches the rock formation and its perverted plant life, Buck quietly walks around to the back side of the site searching for a suitable place to kneel in private and channel the spirits of the locale.

Buckthorn rolled 6 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,1.  Communion Of Whispers

Looking more closely at the rocks, you realize they're cut stones, not natural ones. Apparently, the place collapsed not too long ago. The only reason they're so much vegetation on it is that the tower was already overrun before falling. Although it seems completely destroyed, Idi's spell guides you to a partially collapsed stairs leading underground. As Spriggy examines the architecture, you realize it matches that of the forge, back at the village.

The plants don't seem magical, just... tainted.

Buckthorn closes his eyes to focus on the voices of the spirits... only for the voices to turn into horrible shouts. There's barely any words, just feelings of anger, pain, wrath, and burning. Coming from all the plants around you.

Sir Gorrid looked at the stairs, then cast a simple spell on his shield, causing it to glow and illuminate the gloom below.

"Shall we?"

quote:

21:40, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,6.  Cast light.

I'll forget the spell.

Buck shakes his head to clear his thoughts as he returns to the others.

"A great deal of unrest, pain and anger is plaguing the florae here. The plants are..." he pauses searching for a better word before having to settle on "... screaming."

Idi follows Thovis' guidance to the stairway into the collapsed tower, ready to follow Gorrid in, but pauses and frowns at Buckthorn's words. "Screaming? That's unsettling. I didn't realize they could be so... animated. In spirit. I don't know if we can do much for them, not without rooting out the cause. Although, I wonder..." He pulls out a waterskin and blesses the contents, then asks Buckthorn to choose a likely plant to try it on. "If it helped the bird, it might help them. We can't help them all this way right now, there's too many, but it would be good to know if it works."


I'll cast Sanctify on the water, to see what effect holy water will have, if any.
Idi rolled 12 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,3.

Buck wanders around for about a minute, intently studying the base of the collapsed structure. He drops down to one knee and uses his fingers to carefully dig around a young vine with a single purplish flower, gently removing it from the soil.

 It's about two feet long, with a single skinny root at one end and a small three petaled flower at the other, no bigger than the size of a fancy shirt button. The pointy, elongated leaves in between show the slightest hint of fading green left at their tips.

He returns to Idi and as the cleric moves to douse the plant in holy water Buck speaks up, "No, try this." he says before poking the root into the belssed water skin, leaving Idi holding a crude makeshift vase of sorts with the vine drooping down from it.

Spriggy was also about to follow Gorrid into the ruins, but stopped to watch the holy water experiment with the others. "Smart, Buckthorn," he said when the druid stuck the plant into the water.

Then he added, "I wonder if since this place has the same type of architecture as the magic forge back in town, maybe it also used to utilize the magical glyphs the forge had. Except here they have very obviously fallen into disrepair." He felt it was at least something to keep an eye out for.

"Not sure I recall correctly but didn't you say that the runes at the forge were holding open a portal to an elemental realm? asked Russel.

"More or less, yes," Spriggy replied.

"So what would happen if there was an elemental portal here and it wasn't being held back?
Could that explain what we are seeing?"

"Turning plants red and making plants and animals 'angry' doesn't seem like an elemental effect to me..."

Seeing as the party wasn't quite ready to head down the stairs, the paladin wandered around the outside of the structure, trying to get a sense of what might have changed - in particular with respect to the interaction of the structure and the local water.

quote:

21:18, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,3.  Discern realities.

What happened here recently?
(where 'recent' is with respect to the timeframe of the structure, so the last year or so)

As Idi washes the plant's root with holy water, it seems like the redness in the stem fades slightly. Whatever changed those plants doesn't seem to have corrupted them in a permanent fashion.

By the damage you see inside, the structure was long abandoned. It was only damaged very recently, possibly in the quake that was mentioned back in the village. At the bottom of the stairs, you see a cracked wooden door, releasing thin reddish fumes.

"I think it would be best for all of us if we *didn't* breath that reddish mist.  It wouldn't be helpful for us if we were all suddenly as crazed and angry as that bird was.  Anyone have any thoughts about what might protect us?"

The knight seemed a bit flummoxed.  It was rather difficult to stab evil vapors.  At least, with any effect.

"Agreed, whatever is coming out of there, it can't be good. A blessing should help push back against the effects, but as we've seen with the bird and the plant, the evil "infection" is pretty resilient. I don't know how well it would work, or how quickly, or for how long." Idi almost cradled the plant hanging from his now-blessed waterskin, in a slightly awkward way that spoke to unfamiliarity with horticulture. Nevertheless he held it diligently while peering past Gorrid at the broken door below. With his brow furrowed in thought, his free hand tugging absently on the arrowhead beads in his hair, he tried to summon some half-recalled fact from his Hound training that would speak to this situation.


I'm going to try to Spout Lore about these red fumes.
Idi rolled 4 using 2d6 with rolls of 3,1.
... nope.

"Closest I've come to mist behind a door was a steaming bath house," muses Russel.
"It's not a natural poison that I've ever seen."

"This is where an ice mage would be useful. Chill the mist out of the air."

"Before we rush into any plans, let me check my books. I think I remember reading about something of this nature when I was skimming one of them." He went to his cart and rummaged through his collection of tomes. He was now even more glad that Lydia had managed to stay out of the river

---

13:51, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 9 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 4,1.  Spout Lore, with book - strange vapors.

"I think I saw another book like that over here under this pile of stuff..."

Sir Gorrid began rummaging around in the opposite end of the cart from Spriggy.

quote:

12:24, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 6 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 4,1.  Aid Spriggy.

Anyone want to try to aid me and join the quest for XP? :>

"I think I saw a book like that over there", said Russel to Spriggy while pointing towards the middle of a pile.

08:27, Today: Russel Albion rolled 9 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,3.  Assist Spriggy.

The fumes are... difficult to analyze. It's color seems to relate to whatever is affecting the plants, but it's hard to guess what it would do to someone breathing it. As far as you can tell, the most similar situation you can find is in a manual on tomb exploration, where they recommend leaving a sealed tomb open for the night before exploring it.

Sir Gorrid dug in his pack and extracted a jar of lamp oil.  "Who here has a good throwing arm?"

Used one adventuring gear

"I think that would be Russel. But what is your plan, Gorrid? What are you planning to throw? Lamp oil? It sounds like we should try and let it air out overnight. I mean, it could be explosive, right?"

Spriggy wasn't exactly opposed to Gorrid's plan, but he definitely wanted to have some distance between himself and the ruins if the lamp oil was ignited. Just in case.

"Have we considered opening or burning down the door would aid in airing out the ruins?" Buck clears his throat and speaks up, "If the mist has existed here, I don't foresee much change after one night as the situation stands."

He walks a half circle around the entrance to the structure. "It is even possible the cleansing of fire may purify or hold in check the unnatural essence of the plaguing mist, hence the forge still in tact in town. I don't profess to know much of such foreign magicks."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Fri 03 June 2022.

"Fair enough," conceded Spriggy.

"I could certainly hit the door if that's what you want," confirmed Russel.
"If the wood is old and dry enough to burn, what with the mist, I'm not so sure about."
"Sometimes, with these old towers there are escape tunnels. Maybe this tower had one and that's how the red stuff is leaking to the water?

The paladin passed the oil to the thief and shrugged.  "If it doesn't work, I guess we'll try something else"

Idi backs up a healthy distance once the fire plans get started. "Best to avoid any burning fumes from that place, I think. Or a sudden release of those red vapors."

You're fairly confident the door will burn down well, if slowly. Setting up the oil and lighting it, you quickly retreat up the stairs, and watch as smoke and red fumes slowly leak from the stairs.

Staying well upwind of the smoke, Sir Gorrid gathered everyone's supplies of water and consecrated them while they wait for the door to finish burning and the red fumes to dissipate as much as possible.

quote:

11:04, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,5.  Cast sanctify.

Will forget the spell

Idi settles in to wait a short distance away, setting out a few tokens and offerings. He kneels in front of them and offers ritual prayers to Thovis, welcoming others to join him for a quick prayer but not expecting it.

Buck quietly observes as the group waits for the smoke a mist to subside. Once Idi has completed his ritual, Bucks removes the bloodroot and other gathered herbs from his satchel and hands them to the cleric.
***
"...and as we find more types of useful florae, I'll continue to collect them and explain when time allows." He concludes his brief lecture with a smile.

When you return down the stairs, you see the door is mostly broken down, and little fumes remain. Beyond the door, you see a damaged wizard's lab beyond. Broken glass is scattered on the floor from shattered alchemical equipment, and multiple moldy books have fallen as well. A few papers are pinned to the wall, but their drawings are faded.

In a corner of the room, you see a second, broken door leading into another dark room. The remaining fumes seems to come from there.

"Same plan with this door as the previous one?  Everyone heads back upstairs and Russel can light yet another door on fire?  We can maybe move the books and other things away from the door so they don't go up by accident..."

If no one objects, Sir Gorrid will move what he can away from the door without exposing himself to the fumes, then pass another vial of oil to Russel.

Russel makes ready to throw, as soon as Sir Gorrid gives the word.

"That sounds like a good idea. I will help." Spriggy began assisting Gorrid with moving the more flammable stuff away from the flames. As they worked, he studied the odds and ends around them for any clues as to what they were going to encounter beyond the next door. It seemed likely that the old books would hold clues. Or the papers on the wall, if he could decipher their faded writing.

---

Trying to look for clues about what might be beyond the next door. Or anything worthwhile in this room too, I suppose.
14:56, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 11 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 6,4.  Discern Realities - clues for what lies ahead.

I will ask:
What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is useful or valuable to me?
What here is not what it appears to be?

With a capable pair working on the next door and Spriggy busying himself with books and papers, Buckthorn stood at the foot of the stairs and took in the scene. He studied the broken glassware and the lab equipment trying to get a handle on what things were like before the tower's collapse and if this actually was part of a rumored earthquake. He spends a few moments contemplating the remaining door, the door mostly holding back the mist, before the oil is cast upon it.


Buckthorn rolled 13 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,6.  Discern Realities, smashed laboratory.

What happened here recently?
What is about to happen?
Who’s really in control here?

From what you can tell, the damage to the equipment was mostly due to the earthquake. It was probably the only real change that happened, other than the slow degradation of dry rot and the occasional moth.

The text and papers seems to focus on some mystical form of anatomy, specifically orcish anatomy. One of the more legible text describes...
"...ntest the theory of creation by Sahman. Their investigation suggest that the major races wer[...]ted using the four base elements. Air for humans, fire for orcs, earth for dwa[...]er for sharkmen. Though their inves..."

The remaining door is cracked enough that it could really hold back anything of note, only standing as an obstacle to your vision. It doesn't look like there's any built-up fumes beyond it, and it's damaged enough that you could break it open with ease. Looking through the cracks, you see some form of frames, but you can't get a good look with the door closed.

OOC: Do you want to burn the door down anyway?

Idi watches over Spriggy's shoulder as he goes through books and papers, curious but having little to add. His attention turns to the door, peering through, cautious of more fumes. It didn't seem like the tattered door held much of the red vapour behind it though, so Idi inched closer.

"I don't think this one is whole enough to make much difference." He creeps closer in a half-crouch, wary, until he can reach out and touch the door. He gives it a little test to see if it budges, but leaves the more forceful door-breaking action to others if it comes to that.

"If it needs shoving, I'll do it.  The rest of you wait back by the stairs and be ready to boot it up if any of that nasty stuff comes up."

The knight waited until Idi had done his testing to see if the door would open easily, then waited until everyone else was positioned to make their way up the stairs.  Then he took a deep breath of clean air before giving the door a good shoulder-check.  As soon as the door gave way, he backed rapidly for the stairs in case the party's assumptions about the volume of 'red' air in the closed room proved inaccurate.

quote:

21:35, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 13 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,4.  Defy danger STR - open door.
21:35, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 5 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,3.  Defy danger Con - hold breath.

Don't know if the CON roll was necessary or not, so won't mark XP until/unless necessary :)

The door takes only a small effort to pull out of the way, revealing what looks like a torture room. A string of man-sized cages are rusting along one of the walls, while a pair of almost broken racks are placed next to a stone pit in the center of the room. Scattered around the floor and walls of the room are patches of red slime, matching the red fluid that lies in the pit, A bubble breaking the surface on occasion, releasing a bit of smoke. Another pit, in the corner of the room, seems to contain very old humanoid bones.

OOC: No rolls needed to either open the door, or hold your breath.

The knight scanned the room, trying to get a sense of what lay beneath the obvious (and very unpleasant) surface.

"It seems safe - ish.  Be cautious about the red slime..."

quote:

14:56, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,6.  Discern realities.

I have a discern +1 from when I looked at the outside of the tower.  If I can use that (or someone wants to aid), then that's 3 questions, otherwise, just 1

1st question:
What here is useful or valuable to me?

Other questions:
What should I be on the lookout for?
What happened here recently?

And extra Paladin (free) question "What here is evil?" (even though the answer seems obvious :>)

"Does this look familiar?" Buck asks Idi, thinking back on the cleric's vision and how literal or metaphorical the pond may have been.

"The source, or a mere well tapping into a larger and deeper anomaly?" He muses, mostly to himself as he gazes upon the red central pool.

"This is certainly a disturbing sight to behold," commented Spriggy. The bard cross-referenced what he had read in the other room with what he was seeing now. He searched all the tales in his head for any hint about how this vile ooze came to be. Likely some experiments involving the elemental makeup of various being, but perhaps he could recall a bit more than that.

---

If the ooze is magical in nature, I would like to use my Bardic Lore to ask, "How did this slime come to be?"

The evil from the pool is clear, though the whole room feels darkened by unmitigated anger. There's nothing of value in this place, as everything is too old and broken to be of use, but looking at the sides of the pool, you notice small cracks, most likely caused by the same earthquake that caused all the rest of the damage. Before, that pit seems like it would have been water proof. But now, the fluid have a way out.

Between what the book seems to describe, and the way the room is setup, you deduce that whoever owned this tower was trying, and possibly succeeding, in extracting the elemental essence that brought people to life. The slime itself appears to be a mix of mold or lichen, infused with this substance, until the substance overwhelms it and takes control.

Sir Gorrid looked with disgust and horror at the devices and substances strewn about the room.  "This place is an abomination.  I don't if it's possible to consecrate a place where so much evil has occurred, but we should try.  We could possibly seal up the cracks, but if there's a subsequent earthquake, it would only leak again.

Mere vials of holy water aren't going to be enough.  We're going to need buckets..."

He waited to see if anyone had alternatives to offer before going in search of appropriate water carrying containers.

"It's worth a try, I suppose. Let me collect a jug of this primordial soup first though. We may need it later for experimentation if our attempts to nullify it now don't pan out." He fished out a sizeable jug from his adventuring gear and lowered it very carefully to fill it up with the nasty ooze, then securely stoppered it.

"If anyone wants to make use of any of my other gear, feel free. I'm going to stow this stuff carefully inside my cart."

---

Using an Adventuring Gear to collect a jug of evil primordial soup. If anyone else wants to use my Adventuring Gear, just let me know so I can mark it off.

OOC: Mark yourself a jug of 'Essence of Rage'.

Idi shakes his head and Buckthorn's question. "This makes sense in the context of the vision, but either I was shown somewhere else, or the metaphor was too thick to give me much detail about this place. I suspect I saw whatever waters this place is contaminating, I assume that's how the animals consumed it." Without an obvious solution at hand, Idi makes a few slow circuits of the room, careful not to touch anything but peering about at even the most inconsequential seeming things. He whispers some mantra under his breath, an exercise from his Hound training, something meant to keep the mind blank so an insight can come by intuition. Maybe.


I'll make a Discern Realities, but I have a few other questions I'll pop in the OOC chat.
Idi rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,4.

Gorrid nailed some of the key questions already, I'm mostly interested in:
• What here is not what it appears to be?
But since I get three I might as well toss in:
• Who’s really in control here?
• What is about to happen?

I expect the answers could be "nothing", "us", and "more leaking", but maybe not, so it's good to check!

Looking around, the only thing peculiar you notice is that the skeletons all belonged to orcs. Other than that, the pool seems relatively stable, though a lot of it's content seems to have evaporated over the years. It's hard to tell how long it would take for the rest to fade away, but it's clear the cracks in the cistern will cause it to leak away before that.

"What transpires if we pour a bit of blessed water into the well, or a bit of the well substance into blessed water?"

Buckthorn posed the experimental query, wishing he was better versed in the alchemical arts but knowing a small scale test is likely a wiser course than trying something rash.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Thu 16 June 2022.

"I don't know, but maybe we can find out," Idi answers Buckthorn's musing. Idi pulls his attention away from scouring the room for clues that, it seems, just do not exist, and almost absentmindedly takes out his ceremonial spearhead to make a blessing. "We'll need something to bless. Water is good, but any drink will work."


I think I used my waterskin as a vase back outside, not sure if I have more water. If not, anyone want something blessed? I'll cast Sanctify, I'll just roll now so it doesn't hold things up.
Idi rolled 14 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,6.

"I have plenty of trail rations, some of which have small drinks packed with them. But other than that, the only other liquids I believe I have are potions and already-holy water. I may have a bucket or something in with my gear though, if we want to head back to that river Russel fell into."

"Let's start with a small vial and see what happens.  I suggest everyone stand back."

Sir Gorrid took one of his holy water vials out of his pack and then, standing back as far as he could, leaned forward and poured the liquid into the bubbling pool, watching to see what happened, but prepared to get out of the way if he needed to.

Using 1 holy water

As the two liquids meet, they start to bubble and his, filling the room with the stench of sulfur. Even holding your breath isn't enough to get away from the smell. Still, it calms down soon after.

The paladin examined the results to see if there was any change at all in the aura given off, the consistency of the red liquid, or any other sign that the holy water had been somehow effective.

quote:

14:05, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 14 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,6.  Discern realities.

What happened here recently?
What is about to happen?
What here is useful or valuable to me?

In short - did the holy water do anything sufficiently useful to lead me to believe that with sufficient reapplication, we'd eventually resolve the problem?

"Perhaps we douse it with a vial of regular water, the substance might just hate everything." Buck muses aloud.

He digs through his bag for a moment and produces a handful of plant stems which he then wrings with both hands over the polluted well, dripping in about half as much normal water as Gorrid had added holy water.

"Common river sedge." Buck mentions offhandedly to Idi while clearly focused on any reaction mundane water might cause in the thick pool of red before him.

The water does little more than mix with the red fluid. Comparing the two reaction, it seems like the holy water is kind of boiling away the mixture. It's hard to tell how much has been removed from just one vial, but you're pretty sure you got rid of some of it.

"Ok, this seems to work, so let's do as much as we can."  Sir Gorrid dumped his two remaining vials of holy water, then extracted a large leather flask from his pack and headed upstairs to refill all three vials as well as the flask.  As he did so, he tried to minimize his contact with the likely contaminated water.  When he returned downstairs, he waited to see if anyone else wanted to offer flasks to place in his muscular arms before he invoked Gianam's blessing.

Used remaining 2 holy waters and 1 more adventuring gear

quote:

12:40, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,3.  Cast sanctify.

I'll take a +1 on future castings
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:16, Sun 19 June 2022.

"Well, that's something, but there's an awful lot of it... Let's see if there's a basin or something around here. Spriggy, what do you have in that cart?" Idi goes poking back through the place searching for some vessel they could carry water in—something larger than a waterskin.

In a quizzical manner Russel asks, "Would some kind of Sanctify warding or spell have any effect?"

"I know that shires can keep evil at bay if there is one around it. Not sure about expelling existing evil."

"I think it only alerts to those who cross, and provides some benefit to healing.  But we could try it.  I would need to pray before trying though."  He turned to look at Idi.  "Unless you have it prepared?"

Spriggy helped Idi search for any gear that might be useful for transporting water. He eventually realized his gear itself was resting inside a five gallon pail he could use. After emptying it of the other supplies, he realized it was actually two five gallon pails nested within one another. How fortunate!

"These should certainly help us collect water faster," he mentioned to the group. Of course the pails may not have been required at all if Russel's idea worked.

---

Using two adventuring gear to produce two five gallon pails.

It takes some effort to bring all that water in, but with the cistern's room is setup so all fluid spilled into the room will drip down into the pool. You just to need to bless it.

OOC: Make your rolls for any spells you want to cast!

Russel is happy to grab a bucket and help haul water.

Idi looks thoughtful at the new suggestions. "I could put a blessing of Sanctuary on the place, although what good it'll do... Well who knows. It will make this a consecrated space, good for healing and peace; ill intentions will stand out immediately. It doesn't normally drive out evil, but I couldn't hurt. Perhaps in conjunction with the holy water..." He walks around the room, praying and setting up the Sanctuary, while Spriggy prepares the buckets. Once the water is ready, Idi holds what water he reasonably can and blesses it.


Idi rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,3.  Cast a Spell - Sanctuary.
I'd happily use "empower" to double the effects, but I don't know that it would do anything for the circumstances (I guess any healing done would have double the bonus)?

Idi rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 2,6.  Cast a Spell - Sanctify (holy water).
I imagine, realistically, Idi could maybe hold one of those buckets while he casts a spell?

Once the first pail of water is blessed, you start to pour it into the cistern. You keep as far as you can from the smoke rising from the pit, but it fills quickly fills the room until you're forced to head back out.

Once it clears up, you can see the amount of noxious fluid has clearly gone down. There also seems to be less red slime than before.

Sir Gorrid worked on pouring in the second bucket, then headed up the stairs, waiting for the air to clear

Spriggy watched with curiosity and helped with gathering more water where he could. There was little he could contribute at he moment, and so he simply observed. "It seems like it may be working," he commented.

You pour a few more buckets, only for the last bucket of holy water to do almost nothing. Looking into the pit, you don't see anymore of the red fluid below. The slime has turned a gray-black color, and no longer shivers.

"Perhaps we should fill the well with holy water as a source, to feed into any surrounding tainted groundwater. If we want to be thorough." Buck says after inspecting the stone structure in the floor.

"And perhaps Spriggy could take to the air and find the source pond from Idi's vision?" he adds, his gaze settling on the bard.

"It would be my pleasure. I will be back shortly." The bard returned outside and focused on the form of a vulture. Black feathers etched themselves across his skin before emerging like flower petals in bloom. The hair on his head was slurped back into his head like they were strands of spaghetti. His legs shortened and narrowed until they were stick-like with clawed toes. And he could literally feel the bones in his body become hollowed out.

With his lips hardening into a powerful beak, the transformation was complete. Spriggy pumped his wings and took to the air. He did his best to search for the body of water from Idi's vision. And sadly, he figured the vulture's ability to smell death might help aid his search.

---

13:39, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,6.  Shapeshifter - to vulture.

The paladin muttered a short prayer again, scanning the room to see how much of an evil tinge remained.

With Spriggy setting off and Sir Gorrid in prayer, Buck poses a question to Russel and Idi;

"Is it foolish to think the evil performed here has crumbled along with this aged tower?"

The druid is of the opinion that someone (or something) bent on such experimenting or evil alchemy is unlikely to be deterred by merely having to change venues.

Considering the question, Russel said, "Can we tell if the pool was fresh created or had been here for ages?"
"I would think that if it had been here for ages, and the leaking just started, then whoever created it is long gone. From this area anyway."

"If they were just testing a theory and have moved once sure of success, I would think a city would be the next place it was done."

The evil of this place seems to have faded, dropping for a cloying stench down to a displeasing, lingering feeling. It will fade over time, just making the place unpleasant for anyone staying here.

There's little to identify who this tower belonged to, but you can guess a few things. First, they haven't come here in a very long time, likely longer than any of you have been alive. Second, they didn't plan on leaving. There's just too much material left here. Third, their research is extremely specific and unusual. If anyone knew of it, it wouldn't just be in a city, it would have to be a wizard's college, and even then they would be unlikely to know much about it.

Flying over the area, Spriggy does spot a pond that seems tainted. At least, judging by the red-tinged plants surrounding it. It's much more diffused than the plants surrounding the tower, though.

Spriggy returned to the others to reveal his findings. After reverting to his natural form, he said, "I think I found the place. I'll lead you to it." After waiting for anyone to perform any final tasks at the busted building, he would do exactly that.

Idi ponders for a minute before answering Buckthorn's question. "I think Russel's right, whoever originally did this hasn't been back in a long, long time. I don't even know if evil was their purpose, or just their... method. A by-product. It reeks of wizard-work honestly, which is all a little beyond me." He shrugs, and takes another look around the place. "If we want to know more I suppose we can gather what's left--that can be moved, safely--and ask some wizards about it." He pokes through the remnants of the notes and research again, taking a few likely scraps in the hope that someone somewhere might have some insight. When Spriggy returns with info though, he's ready to leave the place behind.


I don't remember if this got answered, but do the bones and remnants in the place count as a "corpse"? For the purposes of a Speak With Dead spell.

OOC: I'd have to say no. We're talking about mixed bones that have stayed there for hundreds of years, so I can't really see any way they could really be questioned with Speak With Dead.

"I want to give these bones a proper burial, but agree we should take care of the contaminated pond first.". He waited for someone to lead the way.

Spriggy led the way.

Russel took up his normal position near the cart as everyone began to move.

Thankfully, as the bones all belong to orcs, it's simple enough to give them their preferred burial: a pyre. As Gorrid is well aware, the orcs consider having their remains burned to be the most honorable way to be laid to rest. You're not sure how historically accurate it is, but it's supposed to be related to an ancient war between orcs and dragons.

It's just a short trip to the pond, settled in a bit of a dip in the area. There's clearly signs that the local fauna uses this as a watering hole, but there's very few recent tracks.

The volume of water they were looking at here was significantly more than what they'd faced in the ruin, however the anger was theoretically less concentrated.

"So I guess we scoop up buckets of the water, bless them and dump them back in a few times until we stop seeing a reaction?"

Unless anyone else had a better idea, the paladin set about doing precisely that.

Shortly after arriving at the pond, Buckthorn wanders off just out of sight into the tainted plants surrounding the water. He sits on the ground and takes stock of how the evil has changed the life around the watering hole, placing a finger in the dirt he draws a circle around himself then closes his eyes and breathes deeply.

As Gorrid steps closer to the pond, Buckthorn shouts a warning, moments before the water rises up, taking the form of a watery owlbear, howling in anger.

As the watery owlbear rose from the water, Spriggy drew his weapon and took up a defensive stance. With concern, he asked, "Buckthorn, what are we looking at here? Can we just throw a bucket of holy water at it?" Spriggy knew a lot about a lot, but this specific phenomenon seemed to bee more in Buckthorn's wheelhouse.

Do I have a bucket of holy water yet, or was I just collecting a bucket of contaminated water to bless?

"AWAY FROM THE POND!" a scream comes from the tree line as Buck leaps to his feet, suddenly appearing in the small clearing and racing straight for Gorrid to prevent him from getting nearer the water's edge as liquid begins to form into the shape of an all-too-familiar creature.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Thu 07 July 2022.

Spriggy didn't waste a second in heeding Buckthorn's advice and immediately began backing away. Even so, the bard's innate curiosity couldn't help but ask, "Could you elaborate? What is happening?"

OOC: Gorrid was about to grab some water when he heard the shout.

The paladin backpedaled in response to Buckthorn's warning.  As the watery thing arose from the pond, he started praying, though he knew from experience that his weapons were often not terribly effective against water-based creatures.

quote:

08:20, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 13 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,5.  Cast bless.
08:20, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,4.  Cast magic weapon.

Don't know if I have time for both

"The Pond Spirit is LIVID!" Buck exclaims as he reaches Sir Gorrid in a tangle of robes, leaves and twigs. He tugs at the knight to get him farther from the pond water, "It may not be confined to the pond!" he adds trying to impart what little he knows to the rest of the party.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Sat 09 July 2022.

Gorrid completes his spells, barely, before the liquid owlbear rushes out of the pond toward your group.

Spriggy pulled out his songspell book and prepared for the ensuing battle. But instead of casting a spell, he wove a magical song to improve Gorrid's abilities even further.

"The living tide is on the rise.
Prepare now for its watery guise.
Enchanted sword and clear blue skies.
Face down this foe so no one dies!

---

Using Arcane Art on Gorrid. +1d4 to damage and +2 instead of +1 if someone Aids him.

11:51, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,4.  Arcane Art on Gorrid, damage and aid effects.

With their latest foe breaking from the water, Buck abandons any hope of directing the knight to safety and springs away from him in a roll meant to disburse the angry spirit's targets and divide it's attention.

He grabs for the spirit bolas at the side of his belt under his hide cape as he gets to his feet.

Russel stays with the pony to keep it calm in the presence of another Owlbear.

"Get back monster, or face the Hunter's wrath!" Idi cries out, and steps forward with his shield held before him. It worked once--sort of--so perhaps it could work again. Make this owlbear feel fear as well and maybe, just maybe, it'd turn back.


Casting Cause Fear, against the water-owlbear with my shield as the feared object, and I guess Defend after that to stand firm behind the shield.
Idi rolled 12 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,3.  Cast a Spell (Cause Fear)
Idi rolled 8 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,6.  Defend (myself)

Sir Gorrid wasn't completely sure if his weapon was going to do too much against water.  It hadn't the last time.  However, the contagion that had affected this particular water definitely didn't like anything holy, and his sword was now consecrated, so time to give it his best effort.  "Time to return to your rest!" as his sword swung cleanly through the watery thing's body.

quote:

16:51, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 2,1.  Hack & slash.
16:52, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 18 using d10+4d4+1 with rolls of 9,1,1,2,4.

Gorrid's sword cuts into the water like it's not even there... except for hiss of boiling water, as if you had quenched metal after forging. It seems like it's causing damage, but the creature doesn't have the mind needed to notice the pain. Or the fear from Idi's spell. Instead, it sweeps it's oversized limb, swiping both Gorrid and Idi with liquid claws.

OOC: The elemental does 8 damage to both Gorrid and Idi, as well as pushing both of them back.

Does armor count?

Seeing as his weapon seemed to be doing something, the paladin did some more of the same, cleaving again, this time with the flat of the blade, hoping that more surface area made more difference.  In any case, dealing with liquid claws was easier to handle than being engulfed...

quote:

11:04, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 12 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 4,4.  Hack & slash.
11:04, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 20 using d10+4d4+1 with rolls of 7,3,4,3,2.  Damage.

Oh, that didn't work— is about all Idi has time to think before he's smashed by a torrent of unnaturally cutting water. The wave of the owlbear's gigantic paw crashes against Idi's shield, and though he'd been braced against it, the skinny cleric doesn't have the strength or weight to hold up against such an onslaught. The water gouges Idi's shield even as it overwhelms his defense, soaking him even as it launches him backwards. He lands hard, but immediately tries to struggle to his feet again, coughing and gasping.

"It's a mindless construct of some kind," he gets out, still catching his breath. "Can it go far from the water?" Staggering, he brings his shield up in front of him again and advances, but cautiously this time. He made ready to leap back should it swing again, thinking to draw it back or at least distract it while someone did... something.


I'll spend my 1 hold from Defend to halve the damage, then my 1 armour will take it to 3.
I'm going to wrack my brain for anything I might have learned about water creatures, particularly their vulnerabilities or weaknesses.
Idi rolled 10 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,6.  Spout Lore (water creature).

Idi and Sir Gorrid being knocked back from their initial engagement gives Buck the opening he seeks to whip the spirt shackle bolas toward their assailant. Worried an errant throw will send the tethered runic stones into the pond, Buck over-adjusts, missing high and wide of the target. The bolas land silently beyond the water-borne creature, opposite himself, nestled in a growth of reeds.

Buckthorn rolled 4 using 2d6+1 Volley (Bolas)

Spriggy continued his song for the time being, but was ready to switch up his tactics if the situation changed.

"This water beast shall not feast
upon my friends, to say the least.
Attack it from the west and east
so that its bodice can be pieced."

As Idi considers the creature, he remembers how the dark fluid in the was neutralized by holy water. Perhaps this creature would be affected in the same manner?

Before you can act on the that thought, the creature roars from another blow from  Gorrid, before falling on the ground, seeping into the muddy grass... only for the mud to turn even more liquid, creating a quicksand around Gorrid, Idi, and Spriggy!

OOC: Armor does help against the elemental's blows. Russel, you did see where the bola landed, and you could run to grab it and attack if you want.

Quicksand was a bad thing.  Especially for someone wearing full plate.  However, the magic of his sword seemed to be negatively affecting the creature and, absent anything to grab onto, attacking still seemed to be the best strategy.  He thrust his sword down into the mud, swirling it around, trying to get the holy magic to contact as much of the creature as he could.

quote:

11:01, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 2,1.  Hack & slash.
11:01, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 17 using d10+4d4+1 with rolls of 8,3,1,3,1.  Damage.

Idi takes a step back in surprise, looking down at the dissolving ground beneath him. "It's essentially the same problem as the pit, just animated. Remove the evil, remove the danger." But Gorrid doesn't need to be told, he's already trying to use the holy magic of his sword against the ground itself. Idi tries to back out of the worst of the muck, then plunges one hand into it, trying to cup as much liquid in his hand as possible. He didn't know if this would work, but he could only try.


Ok, this might be a stretch but Sanctify consecrates water (or food) held while casting, so I'll try to cast it right onto a handful of water swirling around in the ground.
Idi rolled 12 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,4.  Cast a Spell (Sanctify).
If that's actually a thing I can do, I'll also use Empower on it to double the effect, and choose to "put myself in a spot" from the 7-9 list.

Buck can't do much more than relay what knowledge he can recall about safely traversing the 'sinks' of the Stinking Mire to his friends, shouting over the commotion;

Today: Buckthorn rolled 10 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 4,5.  Spout Lore (quicksand)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Thu 14 July 2022.

Buckthorn knows the best way to get out of quicksand is to just lay back and 'swim' out, since a normal body floats well enough not to be sucked under. But with a magically created quicksand, and for someone strapped into heavy armor, that may not be an option. Luckily, Russel and Buckthorn are far enough not to be caught, and they have a pony to help pull out the others!

But for those in the quicksand, things aren't going well. The dirt makes it impossible for Gorrid's sword to attack the elemental, and the water is too tainted for Idi to purify it directly.

Finding that the new form seemed to protect the elemental from his weapon, the paladin sheathed it - while his sheath was still visible.  He then took the 3 vials of holy water he'd previously refilled and dumped them out onto the mud around him.  It wasn't a lot, but it would help.

"Don't suppose anyone has some rope?"  His voice was calm, but it was obvious the fighter's position was precarious.  His heavy armor was causing him to sink faster than everyone else.

"Also, this thing might be able to move the mud, so be careful how close you get"

"There should be some rope in the cart, I think," said Spriggy. He had stopped his magical song now that he was singing and Gorrid was no longer attacking. He mimicked Gorrid's idea and emptied his own three holy waters into the mud around them. "Some assistance would certainly be appreciated." The bard doubted even his fish form would keep the mud from smothering and suffocating him eventually.

---

Using all three of my holy waters. Anyone can also feel free to use my Adventuring Gear in my wagon to produce some rope.

Edit: I'm noting here that I marked off an Adventuring Gear for Russel's rope in the next post.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Thu 14 July 2022.

When Spriggy mentioned there may be rope in the cart, Russel jumped into action and started rummaging for it.
Once he had the rope, he tied a loop and tossed that end to Sir Gorrid.

"I don't suppose anyone can solidify mud once we..." Buck mused aloud as he hurried over to help Russel and Spriggy get set to pull the others from their sinking plight. He hadn't really given much thought to his traveling companion's magical abilities at all really, other than the singing elf's obvious talents.

Buck offered an extra pair of hands to expedite getting Idi and Gorrid to safer ground.

With a huff of frustration—but, truthfully, not really surprise—Idi gives up on the blessing and turns his attention to getting out of this mess. Perhaps he'd have been wiser to get out earlier... Too late for 'what if', though. He carefully starts trying to make his way across the quicksand, taking whatever help might be available, but letting the more encumbered Gorrid take what he needs first.


I'll make a Defy Danger roll in case it's warranted, to keep things moving. Disregard if Defy Danger isn't needed here.
Idi rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 5,3.  Defy Danger (+DEX).

As Gorrid makes a grab for the rope, Idi manages to crawl closer to the edge... only to be blown into the air as the elemental surges back up from under him!

OOC: Where are you going to land, Idi? Back in the quicksand, where you'll start sinking again? Or on solid (and painful) ground?

Spriggy, give me a Volley to see how efficient your first holy water vial is.

For the others, Gorrid is pretty heavy with that armor. You'll need some Defy Danger (STR) to pull him free.

13:08, Today: Russel Albion rolled 4 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,1.  Defy Danger (STR).

Russel grabs a loop of rope but can't get a firm grip with his feet. As he slips on the ground instead of pulling Sir Gorrid out, he looks for a place to fasten the end of the rope to the wagon.
He thinks that if he can just attach the rope to the wagon, it will help stabilize his end.

Here is a volley roll. I didn't think I would need one if I was just dumping it in the quicksand around me, but at least now I get an XP!

08:23, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 3 using 2d6 with rolls of 2,1.  Volley for 1st holy water vial.

Do I need a volley roll too?  I'm not aiming - I'm just poring in front of me and/or around my body.  Presumed Spriggy was doing the same...  Or is the issue that the elemental is no longer in the water around us.  If not, are we still sinking?

OOC: Russel, if you tie the rope, you can Aid Gorrid in his Defy Danger roll.

The Volley check is to see if you pour when the elemental is close enough to be affected, and if so by how much.

Buckthorn and Russel keep tension on the rope while Russel moves back to where he can secure it to the wagon wheel.
That way the wagon will not roll back from the pulling, thought Russel.
Try as he might, the wheel rolled a little as it aligned with the pull of the rope and Russel couldn't stop it.
11:45, Today: Russel Albion rolled 4 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,2.  Strength to Help Pull.

quote:

10:37, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,6.  Volley on elemental.

Whoot!!

Wasn't sure what to roll for damage.  Is Arcane Art still in effect?  Exterminatus should be.  Also, not sure what the base damage is for holy water, or whether I can use all 3 vials at once.

The geyser seems to dies down, raining down on all of you. After a few moments of stress, you realize there's no more movement. Buckthorn confirms not long after that the spirit has gone dormant. Now you just have to dig Gorrid and Idi out of the mud trapping them.

And figure out how to clean up the pond, too.

The paladin stood in the mud up to his waist, awkwardly holding the empty vials.  He struggled and managed to get them into his pack.  At least he wasn't sinking anymore...

"Anyone want to toss the end of that rope here?"

"That 'stick in the mud' next to you, that's the rope," pointed out Russel.
With the struggle and rain of mud, it almost blended in.

The knight grabbed onto the rope and pulled.

quote:

12:07, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,4.  Defy danger (STR).

Idi suddenly finds himself tumbling end over end, with little sense of up or down. It comes to a sudden crashing halt as he finally finds the ground, landing in a heap, but at least clear of the quicksand. He slowly moves each limb and tries to sit up, checking himself for pain and injuries.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Mon 18 July 2022.

"Anyone seriously hurt?" Buck inquires of the group. He had ran to retrieve the nearby bolas once the rope had been secured, not anticipating the pond's spirit going dormant.

He tentatively tests the ground as he follows the rope out toward the firmly planted knight. Buck attempts to loosen the dense mud around Sir Gorrid, prodding it strongly with the butt-end of his spear. "Do we have any poles or planks in the elf-cart?" he asks aloud of everyone, "Anything that could help disperse their weight and allow them to work loose and crawl onto?"

Looking down upon Gorrid, Buck adds "I don't suppose you'd like to lighten your efforts by removing any of that heavy plating..."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:25, Tue 19 July 2022.

After the spirit went dormant Spriggy did his best to help the others out of the mud, but he was still pretty muddy himself. Replying to Buckthorn, he said, "I think that rope was the last of my miscellaneous wagon supplies. I only have my personal stash now." He patted the supplies on his back. "No planks there. But I will look to see if I can find a suitable tree branch on the ground nearby."

The muddy bard went to look under the nearby trees, careful not to get too close to the lake while all by himself.

Sir Gorrid shook his head.  "It's hard enough to get out of this stuff at the best of times, let alone when I'm covered in mud.  Plus I don't want to lose any of the components."

After some searching, you find enough branches to make a sort of sled to pull Gorrid out. A task made slightly easier by the fact that the elemental is no longer messing with the ground. Idi's landing is... painful.  But, at last, you're all on solid ground, and safe.

"That was...unpleasant.  Thank you."  The paladin looked like he wasn't used to needing to needing to thank others for their assistance.

He glanced down at his armor.  He had a long evening of cleaning ahead of him.  However, first things first.  He went looking for the bucket he'd previously been holding when he approached the water.  This time, he approached a bit more cautiously.

Gorrid manages to get the bucket, and can fill it without issue.

The paladin held the bucket in his hands and prayed for the water to be blessed.

quote:

10:18, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 5 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,1.  Cast sanctify.

Time for some XP

Spriggy stood at the ready in case the lake decided to attack again. But he otherwise stood back and let the blessers do their thing. "Let me know if there is anything anyone needs me to do," the bard offered. He did also sing a healing song for Idi though, since the man seemed to have a couple injuries from their recent scuffle.

---

Using Arcane Art to heal Idi 5HP and boost the next Aid on him to +2 instead of +1. However, "on a 7-9, your spell still works, but you draw unwanted attention or your magic reverberates to other targets affecting them as well, GM’s choice."

15:02, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,1.  Arcane Art - Heal Idi, improve next Aid on him.

15:04, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  Damage Healed.

Having heard the tune more than a few times, when Spriggy started playing, Russel hummed along wordlessly but in the proper harmony.
13:28, Today: Russel Albion rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,3.  Humming along.

Idi takes a few tries to get his feet under him, wheezing and wincing. The landing was not good, he was reasonably hopeful he hadn't broken anything but ouch he was hurting down to his bones from the jarring impact.

"Th-thanks, I just need a minute here," he smiles at Spriggy's song, finding it surprisingly helpful in shaking off the worst effects. He forces a few deep breaths, his ribs barely aching anymore. "Ok, maybe I should see about getting some water blessed too."


I'll take a shot at Sanctifying some water too, but I don't know if some GM moves from Gorrid's roll will change the circumstances before Idi gets to that. I'll roll, but if things change before he gets around to blessing a bucket then please ignore.
Idi rolled 8 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,1.  Cast a Spell (Sanctify).
Oh, what the heck, I'll choose "you draw unwelcome attention or put yourself in a spot. The GM will tell you how." If the roll actually applies, that is.

It takes most of the day, but by the time the sun is setting, you're pretty sure you've cleared out the pond as well as possible. Lady Oakley, having recovered sufficiently to travel, comes to confirm it, saying she will clear out whatever is left in the ground with the help of the local plants.

Tired, but satisfied, you head back to the village to report your success.


OOC: Mark yourselves 3 xp for a compleated quest, as well as divide the 300 coins amongst yourselves. You can post your talks with Gordon if you want, otherwise we'll continue back in the Phoenix's Nest monday.

"I don't suppose a celebratory feast is in order..." Buck adds, trying to downplay an uncharacteristically outgoing request for a superior, prepared meal from the small towns' benefactor. "...but it was unlike anything we've faced before. Rest assured the remnants have been dealt with and Freefield's forge and mill are safe once again." he concluded to master Gordon.

Regardless of what transpires regarding a fine meal and sendoff, Buck stops by the chapel on the way out of town and inquires as to the condition of the raven that had assailed them. He collects Spriggy's cage for return to the bard's piled-high cart of belongings and tries to befriend the bird, at least for the duration of the return journey. Perhaps the creature, now returned to good spirits, could enlighten him as to some missing details of the ordeal. Who poisoned that well so long ago? What manner of events brought forth the unnatural form of an owlbear?