|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Jan 10, 2018 16:49:58 GMT -5
Fillin nods his head, gives his best salute and takes off back toward town. Midori looks at the map and then at you. Wanting to know why you want to know and by extension why Followers in Bahamut are interested in the territory. She also presses you to know how you figured out the other two tribes borders. Assuming you satisfy her with all she wants to know. "No" She says simply and breathes in. "I know the tribe itself but not their territory, they are of the Green and many skillfully so, we have a fair bit in common wanting to keep these swamps as they are" She says, casting a darkened eye toward the Clifton walls before returning to you. "The entrance to their home is marked with a golden rapier, apparently given to them by their god" She says with a shrug and your eyes are immediately drawn to Fillin who is now a dark speck in the distance.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 10, 2018 19:59:00 GMT -5
Xanadu explains much like he did to the others, knowing where the lines in the sand are prevents people from crossing those lines. "I spoke to the Lizard Folk that live within those territories. Some resorted to violence before they would speak to me." His voice has an edge of sadness at the last, and his finger drifted to the Black territory on the map, "Others spoke freely, exchanging knowledge for a little gardening help."
When she mentions the rapier, Xanadu coughs and sputters like he just choked on something. He holds up a hand to her, asking her to wait a moment, before calling out to Fillin, "Fillin! We have a problem my boy, get back here." Once he returns, Xanadu asks him for that stick he was carrying around before, "Well Mistress Midoriya Hasven Archenhold Maewyn. I believe I have to ask you for yet another favour." He takes the rapier from Fillin, "Would you come with me to return this to it's rightful place?" He goes on to explain that it was covered with caked on mud, and we only discovered the blade once we returned to camp. "Perhaps if they see you with us, they will know we mean them no harm."
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Jan 10, 2018 20:44:39 GMT -5
You see Fillin off in the distance, he turns to respond, probably to ask what the problem is but his question is cut short as taking his eyes off the swamp was too much for the young Halfling and he goes face first into the mud. After a time Fillin is back at camp and presents the sword, trying to rub the mud off it with his mud caked cloak. The green girl looks at the blade and then to both of you. "I imagine they will see us together and figure to drop their guard but what precisely does that mean for me?" She asks and then thinks a moment before leaning closer to you. "That is to say, what do I gain from taking time away from my duties as a wife to help you?" She asks, crooking her eyebrow.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 10, 2018 21:14:29 GMT -5
Xanadu thinks for a moment before responding, "A friend within the city. Perhaps a friend for your husband. Adventurers can be quite useful if set to the right task." He gestures to the map, "As you can see, we've managed to learn quite a bit about a completely unfamiliar place in just a few short days. Imagine what we" This time the we includes her, "could accomplish if we worked together in the long term." His voice picks up strength as he speaks, "Imagine what we" This time he extends his hands up and away from his body, indicating the entire area around them, and those that live within it, "could accomplish if we actually all worked together." He seems to realize that he got carried away, and lowers his arms slowly, rubbing the back of his neck, "That is to say, I seek peace. Peace for those within the walls, and those within the swamps. I think we have a lot to learn from each other, but nobody is communicating." He takes a deep breath, "Please." He looks her right in the eyes, "Please Mistress Maewyn, help us get started on the right path." His eyes drift to the city walls looming in the distance. "It has to start somewhere, why not here? With you and your husband?"
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Jan 10, 2018 22:54:17 GMT -5
The green girl looks up and down you, seeming to weigh your worth before a small smile crosses her lips. "Then here is where it shall start, Master Xanadu" She says simply and stands to her full height, stretching herself out before walking out of camp and into the swamp proper. Walking through it like a beloved garden, brushing her fingers through the air, and leaving a trail of blooming flowers in her wake.
Assuming nothing else distracts you, you guys make it back to where you figure the territory is. The green girl stops before a massive pond that has more lily pads than water and takes you to a small incline (only a few feet taller than anything else in the area) that looks over it. The center piece of this pond is an island with a single willow tree growing strong on its center. Midori brushes aside a tuft of grass and indicates a small rock with a hole at its center where the sword once stood. Fillin, though somewhat regretfully, takes his cue and places the blade back into its place. You look around, expecting some grand entrance to open up before you at the blades placement but see no such thing, instead you hear a splash and see the Green girl is gone, you lean over the incline and see the water rippled and guess that the girl jumped in. Fillin indicates as much and you both follow suit. Once under the surface you open your eyes and see the blurred outline of lights deep into the water's depths. You start to swim toward it but are halted by the green girl who points you to the surface. After resurfacing she tells you that is the Red Eye's village and that they rarely leave it, except to check their traps. She also tells you the village is a long way down and there are magic currents to deter outsiders, she fears that you may suffocate before getting there.
What would you like to do?
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 11, 2018 12:21:45 GMT -5
Xanadu nods, he does not wish to meet his end to enchanted water. There are still too many Wyverns in this world. "We will wait by the tree there, where the Lizard Folk have clear advantage with this water." He says gesturing at the water around them. "We come in peace, just wanting to talk while we have this opportunity." He smiles, mouthing 'thank-you.' before swimming over to the island with the tree. Once there he tends to his equipment, leaving his pick leaning on the tree once he's all finished.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Jan 11, 2018 13:43:52 GMT -5
Your informed that the tree is considered sacred and trending on the island will surely cause a stir, you'll get their attention alright but it'll likely lead you to your death.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 11, 2018 18:10:38 GMT -5
Xanadu simply says, "Sorry, I meant to say that tree..." Indicating literally any other tree that won't get him murdered.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Jan 13, 2018 16:39:31 GMT -5
You head to a different non-murder tree and wait. An hour passes without incident. And then another and then another. Time seems to crawl at this point. You've buffed your armor, sharpened your weapon and busied yourself as much as you could but its no good, time drags on so you look to your companions. The green girl has been singing softly in a language you can't understand, seeming to the sound of the swamp flowers blooming, it seems every hour she sings, the green gets longer, your sure if you stay here all day you'll be coated in grass. Fillin seems to have picked up some twigs on the way over here and during the first 2 hours carved out a buck-toothed Wyvern and a familiar looking dwarven warrior. At this point he seems to be playing with them, acting out some grand battle, with the wyvern talking like a cheesy villain from a children's Saturday morning play. He's doing this quietly but sometimes he'll do an explosion noise with his mouth thats louder than he attends and when he thinks your looking he'll hide the two carvings and pretend he's been sitting there watching the water as you have been.
Finally at about Noon. The water ripples and a figure emerges up from the depths near where your sat. This lizardfolk isn't like the others you've seen. They were big, muscular, scaled. This one is lilthe, scaleless with grey and green skin and with a much longer, wetter body. Less of a Lizard and more of a Salamander. Midori stops her singing and Filling swiftly stuffs his wooden dolls in his bag and tries his best to looks serious. The salamanderfolk seems to have not noticed you, how will you approach?
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 29, 2018 18:45:39 GMT -5
Xanadu watches Fillin play like a father would watch his children play, a little smile hidden inside his beard. With all of his gear tended to, he leans back supporting himself on his hands and stretches out his legs, crossing them at the ankle. He sits like this with his eyes closed, just listening to the Dryad sing, only pulling out of the trace when he hears the water dripping off of the Salamander. Instantly alert, Xanadu follows Midori's lead as to how to act around the newcomer, aside from standing, and remaining as non-hostile as possible.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Feb 6, 2018 5:25:39 GMT -5
Midori stays as she is until the salamander takes notice of them and greets the scaleless creature. Or you think she does. The two start in on a conversation. The humanoid still looking poised to fight but easing as it drags on. Their speech is... Weird... You almost think its like hearing trees rustle in the wind but given a language-like sound to it. After a while of being perplexed the Salamander bows to her and gives you and Fillin a look before going back into the water. "Okay, we're done here" The green girl says happily and stands, brushing off her legs and walks into the tree you were leaning on. "See you at camp!" She calls out cheerily as she disappears into the bark.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Feb 6, 2018 7:22:49 GMT -5
Xanadu listens carefully, even though he doesn't understand the language spoken. 'Is that Sylvan?' he wonders to himself. Once Midori is finished speaking with the Salamander, Xanadu watches her vanish into the tree. "That mode of transportation would be so handy, no more trudging through the bog." Xanadu sighs, and raises an eyebrow at Fillin. "Well then, I guess we head back to camp." He smirks then, just a little, enough to be mostly hidden behind his beard. With that said, he stands and stretches before heading off back toward the camp.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Feb 6, 2018 16:11:28 GMT -5
Fillin nods his head and looks out over the swamp. Seeming to dread the trek as you hear a faint whimper from him before he follows behind you.
A few swampy miles later.
You arrive at camp as stoic and strong as ever or at least you appear so. Fillin upon entering the campsite flops onto the solid grass and groans. You can understand why as the Dryad seemed to have made the plants in your most direct path grow ten fold when she walked over with you, making the trek back a fight against grabby grass and hidden drops into swampy water. One of the trees wiggles over and scoops up the boy's crumbled form, cradling him in its branches much like a mother would her babe. You fail to spot the green girl instead finding a tablet made of wood that seemed to have grown into the shape of your map with the missing piece of the red eyes territory filled in.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Feb 8, 2018 21:39:16 GMT -5
Xanadu carefully examines the map, transferring the information from the tablet to his own map meticulously. This is not his strong suit, as most of this adventure has not been. He takes his time, and does the work well. Taking the time his ancestors would have taken to polish a gem, or forge a masterwork. Once the work his completed, Xanadu tends to his equipment, and then Fillin's belongings. Making sure everything is prepared to return to Clifton in the morning. Finishing the last of the work while a yawn so big that it makes his jaws pop escapes him. Teetering to his bedding, Xanadu passes out almost instantly.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Feb 9, 2018 23:35:46 GMT -5
After removing Fillin's gear the tree tends to the poor boy, he attempts to fight the leafy mother off but quickly succumbs to his own tiredness and is asleep before you know it. With all said and done you find yourself only into the late afternoon of the day with evening still a ways off, would you still like to snooze, sir?
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Feb 10, 2018 9:26:04 GMT -5
Xanadu spends some of the afternoon tending to his equipment, darning a sock, and studying the map until he has it basically memorized. While studying the map Xanadu gets an idea, gathering up the tablet he brings it to the trees. "Are you able to understand this writing? If you are touch this hand, if not touch this hand." He extends his hands up and out to await the answer.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Feb 20, 2018 9:16:16 GMT -5
The trees leaves rustle as it sways over to you. Using the motion to rock the beaten Fillin as well as close the distance. It leans over the tablet in what you assume it to be reading. You can't tell because the tree doesn't have eyes, or a face to speak of. Either way it doesn't touch your hand, it just seems to stay there for a bit before leaning back slowly.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Mar 1, 2018 7:27:13 GMT -5
Xanadu drops his arms, and sighs, "I guess I should have known better." He chuckles to himself as he packs up everything that won't be used for breakfast in the morning. With everything as prepared as it can be, Xanadu lays back in his bedroll. Staring up at the clouds as they lazily drift past, Xanadu thinks about how he ended up sleeping in a swamp and talking to trees.
The cliffs were beautiful, so much exposed rock face. There the glimmer of quarts or fools gold, it was hard to tell with the bobbing of the ship and the distance. Over there a rich looking iron vein exposed to the surface. This place, the Wyvern Straight, has the potential to support an entire clan if those veins run deep. The Captain said that Clifton wasn't far, why has nobody explored this resource? As if in answer to his silent question, the beast screeched as it dive bombed the ship. The creature shielded it's attack from view by flying out of the sun's light. It's tail stuck Reggie in the chest as it dove past. He didn't even scream as he toppled out of the crows nest. His chest was so full of virulent poison, that when his corpse bounced off the deck, green ichor splashed from his wound. It's claws rent asunder Samandar's skull, his lifeless body standing dumbfounded for a few seconds before collapsing. Creatine was scooped up in it's talons, her screams as she was carried off still haunt Xanadu's dreams sometimes. It was all there in perfect detail, as if it only happened yesterday. Xanadu hadn't even drawn a weapon, it was over so fast. He was left standing there in shock, not even really sure what just happened.
The crew survived two more attacks from those flying nightmares, but lost another three people in the process. Since that faithful trip Xanadu has learned everything he can about those beasts, those Wyvern. How to fight them, how to avoid their territories, how to counteract their poison. He knew he wasn't ready to fight a dragon, even if they're not True Dragons. So he started working for the Temple that had taught him so much. Test his mettle against lesser challenges, really prepare himself for his life's work. When he was done, the Wyvern Straight would need a new name.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Mar 6, 2018 10:28:48 GMT -5
"-ister Xan-" Your conscience fades back into the present and you see Fillin hovering over you. A look of concern in his eyes. At first you think you might've cried in your sleep but you see him look over his shoulder, worriedly. "Master Xanadu, I think you should see this" The young halfling whispers as he motions for you to follow him. Assuming you do so, he takes you to some precarious bushes at the edge of the camp. Peering through you see... A bear about 20 feets away. No... It looks like a bear but its forearms have a scale-like appearance to them and its tongue extends in an almost lizard like fashion. Its currently on top of a fallen willow, ripping out a sweet smelling yellow substance from the bark, you recognize its one of the willows that was protecting you. Luckily not the one that had Fillin, or else you imagine this would've been you waking to more nightmarish screams. The creature seems to be busily ripping away at the tree, Fillin cringing beside you all the while. You note its not just its fore arms, but its entire upper half seems to have some shell-like casing, its long tongue almost comical looking as it wraps around its honey-soaked claws, licking them clean. Fillin appears on the verge of losing his breakfast. Which reminds you, you haven't eaten. The creature doesn't appear hostile. If not for the fact that it probably stands more than twice your height it might even be cute. What will you do?
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Mar 15, 2018 13:31:28 GMT -5
(Since I'm unarmoured, unarmoured defense kicks in: AC 10+2+4+2=18)
Xanadu shakes his head to clear the cobwebs of sleep that still cling to his mind. Seeing the worried look in the Halfling's eyes, Xanadu eyes his armour. He shakes his head sadly, 'No time for that' He thinks to himself as he picks up his shield. Following the Halfling at a crouch, Xanadu peeks through the bushes. His eyes go wide as they fall on his fallen protector, then everything happens quickly as the adrenaline begins to flow. Xanadu whispers orders to Fillin quickly, "Go tell the other willow to summon the Green Woman if it can, or any help it can muster would be helpful." Xanadu stands and looks to Fillin, relaying his last order in a quiet solemn voice, "Join me as soon as you can. Heal me with whatever spells you have, and then flee back to Clifton." Xanadu hands the boy his territorial markers, "If I fall, tell the Wyrmspeaker everything we've accomplished here."
With that Xanadu hefts his weapon, and charges into the fray. His body surging with previously untapped energy. Whether it be fear or anger, or a combination of both Xanadu is unsure. If he can get close to the beast while it's distracted, all the better. Once he does attack, he tries to strike at the under belly of the beast, avoiding the shell-like casing if at all possible.
Init: 2+2=4 Stealth: 5+2=7 Attack: 14+6=20 Damage: 8+4+2=14
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Mar 24, 2018 0:25:02 GMT -5
As you attempt the burst out from the brush, the brush itself moves aside for you and you come barreling out toward the beast in a flurry. Quickly catching yourself you correct your pace as you had thought you'd need more strength to shove the bushes. The creature's ears perk as you let out your battle cry and it whirls its head to look dumbfounded at you, twisting its body to compensate for the motion. Just as you drive your pick into the beast's furred arm, finding its yielding flesh under the thick hide and piercing through. The creature bats you aside with the back of its clawed paw, sending you barreling back. You catching yourself on your feet and feel a burning across your bare chest and feel a lack of proper air, you look down and see claw marks mar your flesh. You look back to your quarry and find its teeth above and below your head. With swift thought (more instinct than anything else), you shove your pick out cross ways and push the beast back as its teeth snap shut. Init: Bear Xanadu Fillin (4 turns for Help) Round 1. Bear: Surprised Xanadu: Free shot! Fillin: Gotta get help, Gotta get help, Gotta get help (4 turns left) Round 2. Bear: Claw. Hit. 4 S. dmg. Xanadu: Fillin: Still getting help! (3 left)
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 7, 2018 12:39:15 GMT -5
(Took 2 damage because of resistance gained from my rage class feature. 28/30hp)
Something clicks, and everything becomes utterly calm. This battle is unlike any battle he has experienced before. The chaos of battle is still there, and adrenaline still surges through his veins. His mind is devoid of emotion, and his thoughts are clear to a single purpose. Though not all of his attacks land, each strike that does is placed just so to do as much damage as possible to his foe. Without having time to put on his armour, and knowing that he is likely to die in this confrontation, Xanadu has tapped into something primal within himself. He uses his body itself as a shield, shrugging off hits that would sundered the scales of his armour as if they were nothing.
Attack Rolls: R2 7+6 = 13, R3 11+6 = 17, R4 14+6 = 20, R5 14+6 = 20, R6 13+6 = 19 Damage Rolls: R2 5+6 = 11, R3 8+6 = 14, R4 3+6 = 9, R5 2+6 = 8, R6 1+6 = 7
(4 rounds of rage left after the above rolls.)
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Apr 23, 2018 22:38:36 GMT -5
The creature roils back after you attack and swings its claw at you but in a troke of brilliance you turn your pick's edge to the palm of his claw and the beast impales itself on your weapon. You quickly rip it back out and lift your weapon high to deliver the final blow when you note the beast's eyes have changed from anger to panic. With both its claws injured its backing away, attempting to flee!
(Yay for Nat 1's and by my rules the creature hurts itself which brings it down below the half way point,. including that with your attack he's near dead, you can take an attack of opportunity and finish him or let him go, your choice)
Fillin: Must get help! Xanadu is definitely counting on me and won't wrap this up in less than 6 seconds (XD)
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on May 7, 2018 17:18:34 GMT -5
Xanadu steps forward, and smashes the creature in the head with the hilt of his pick. His strike is aimed to knock the creature senseless, but not kill it. It's fate will be decided by the Green Woman. If the creature does fall, Xanadu will tend to his wounded guardian first, and then move to tend to the wounds of the creature. If not, he will simply tend to the guardian, and let the beast slink away. Either way Xanadu takes stock of the campsite once more, and waits for Fillin's reinforcements.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on May 8, 2018 15:45:21 GMT -5
As the bear swings around to escape Xanadu will spring forward onto its back and drive his Pick's hilt into its skull rendering the beast unconscience. The strange bear-like creature collapses in a heap. After dusting himself off Xanadu examines the ripped remains of the Willow Defender. As the dwarf leans over the "body" Fillin comes rushing back with a small army of bushes and the other two Willows. He looks at the creature and then to Xanadu. "Is it?" The Halfling begins but the dwarf shakes his head. Letting him know the bear still lives. After letting him know the Green girl will decide the creature's fate Xanadu looks over the scene. If honey was a tree's blood this would be a horror scene from a twisted sort of play. There is a giant tear in the center of the tree's trunk and honey is splattered all about from roots to leaves. The creature has no concept of waste or course with that long tongue its possible it could lap up all this after its initial gorging. Xanadu is brought from his thoughts by a quiet prayer from Fillin to carry the tree's soul into Yondalla's embrace. Do magically anitmated tree's have souls? Best not to question it right now. Fillin seems distraught. One of the Willows pats the boys shoulder. He should be in good hands there so you look over the campsite, find it clear and decide what to do next.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on May 8, 2018 16:50:51 GMT -5
Xanadu huffs out a puff of air, "Well, that was an unpleasant awakening. How long before the Green Woman arrives?" Xanadu nods at their answer, "Can you lot tend to that thing until she arrives? I'm going back to bed." With that Xanadu turns on his heel, and heads back into his tent.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on May 9, 2018 16:40:10 GMT -5
"Now" Comes a familiar female voice from behind you. If you decide to turn around you can see the green girl walk out from the willow as if stepping from a shimmering pool of bark. "Whats all this then?" She asks looking over the scene of carnage.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on May 9, 2018 17:44:46 GMT -5
Xanadu turns to the Green Woman, and smiles, "I woke up to find that there beastie." He says indicating the unconscious bear creature, "Feeding on one of your guardians." His indicating hand moves from the beast to the eviscerated willow. "I wasn't sure how you would feel about that, so I didn't kill the critter while defending this place. It should wake up in a couple hours." Xanadu stifles a yawn, and moves with the Green Woman as she inspects the area.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on May 9, 2018 18:06:04 GMT -5
The Green Girl brushes a hand through the fur of the unconscious animal and smiles. "She was simply trying to feed the children she will bare" She says a statement of a fond fact. "Nothing to concern over. The law of nature is absolute" She stands and turns back to you. Why're you still here? Don't you have to bring that map to your sky priest?" She asks you, seeming a little annoyed.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on May 9, 2018 18:28:57 GMT -5
Xanadu quickly stows his own annoyance at this woman's annoyance, as without her approval this site will be untenable, "I thought you might say something to that effect about the creature. I'm glad I did no lasting harm to her." Xanadu gestures to the basically packed up camp, "We were leaving in the morning." Looking at Fillin, Xanadu sighs adding, "After breakfast."
|
|