OOC: Intorducing Iar Gullic, the new high mage
While the group had been out and about adventuring and conducting diplomacy, they had put out a call for arcane users to come along and hopefully set up a wizard or magical equivalent in the area in order to provide expertise and guidance in the arcane.

Iar Gullic was a wizard who had expressed interest in the invitation and so far had proven himself to be a capable and reliable member of the group. While it was still too early to start bestowing ranks and titles upon his shoulder he seemed the clear frontrunner in line to fill the position in their court and expeditions like this were part of the process the rest of the group could use to fully vet the new member.

---

The party rides out West to continue exploring their surroundings. Scouts had been sent out but had reported strange fey occurrences in this area and so the leaders brought it on themselves to explore the area fully.

The trees part to reveal a peaceful forest glade dappled with sunlight. A small pond lies placidly at the roots of an enormous oak tree with a scattering of leaves floating upon its surface. Birdsong twitters from the branches high above.

"Well, looks pretty fey to me." Elena remarked, scanning the clearing for any sign of inhabitants bigger than a bird.  Or any strange birds, even.  You never really could tell when dealing with fairies.

"Not that I know much about fey.  How about you, Iar?"  She turned to regard their newest arrival, with an eyebrow raised.  With Caramip stepping away from field duties, they had needed a replacement capable of filling her shoes in terms of both magical ability and a broad base of knowledge.  Iar had easily demonstrated the first when he had arrived in court, but Elena was anxious to see how the wizard fared at making sense of the things they found in the wild.

"Peaceful place. Almost makes you forget there's a band of murderous trolls roaming around. Almost." Kael comments on the place. He is not a nature person by any means, but even he can appreciate a place such as this.

Dominique dismounts as the group pauses to take in the glade, taking the moment to stretch his legs and rest his ass after so long in the saddle. He eyes the surroundings with suspicion as he double-checks the mechanisms of his loaded crossbow and soon responds to Kael, "Don't forget the murderous redcap. If fey are about the more pleasant it looks, the more dangerous it is." With his crossbow checked and ready to fire, the former inquisitor looks the rest of his companions over to see when they're ready to move in and investigate.

He runs a hand down his beard, pulling on it before he answers. "I could tell you arcane tales and wrap them up with natural lore to make them palatable, but I fear that my knowledge of the Fey and their demesne are woefully lacking for anything of substance." He reaches over to his shoulder to scratch under the chin of the pseudo-dragon on his shoulder before chuckling at the reminder the creature projected. "Well, not counting that little mishap with the pixie circle. Yes, and that splendid evening with the Naiad. I don't think those accounts are what Lady Sazikova is asking about. Least not without several rounds from the wineskin preceding."

"A rule that applies to some of us, as well."  Elena responded cheekily. "With any luck, meeting the fey here will have more in common with Iar's experiences than our own."

She walked forward openly into the clearing, doing her best to seem as relaxed and friendly as one could with a polearm in hand and Dominique waving around a loaded crossbow right behind her.  The visor on her helmet was raised to show her face, and she held her glaive "at ease", with the long oak shaft resting on the point of her right pauldron.

Reaching the pond, she crouched down to check her appearance in the water before continuing forwards.  Iar's mention of Naiads had left the paladin wanting to make a good impression.

"Why thank you Lady Sazikova, but Cadmus and I are not that dangerous, really." He says with a wink while his familiar crawled down into his arms to be scratched between the wings. "If we have an encounter like one of the ones I've had I hope it has more in common with the Naiad. The pixies had me wandering disoriented for weeks the mischievous little pips." He chuckled to himself and to the creature in his arms.

"I'll try not to take that as an insult," Dominique joins in on the joke. With another look at the suspiciously significant-looking glade, the High Priest carefully stows his crossbow on the sling around his shoulder and unpacks from his horse's saddlebags a clay jug stamped on the side with Abadar's key and filled with water. After a prayer to Abadar for wisdom and guidance, the priest quenches his thirst by drinking deeply from the wine now filling the jug--no need to share the blessing with troops numbering well beyond their party this time--and then offers the blessed wine to the others.
Casting Tears to Wine ... again.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Sun 04 Dec 2022.

"We can only hope." Kael comments Elana's words. He accepts the offered wine before following the paladin.

As Elena approaches the tree she hears the gentle sound of a woman weeping quietly. Looking around her gaze passes right over the figure as her earthy complexion intertwined with leaves causes her to blend right in at a casual glance, especially with her face buried in her hands.



The woman looks up and wipes away her tears.

"Hail and well met, traveler. I apologize for the poor greeting but alas it is a dark time, not one that marries well with the joy of meeting new faces."

Her voice is breathy like the wind rustling through the leaves. It doesn't take an expert in the fey to recognize that she comes from the First World.

OOC: DC 16 Nature Lore to identify further details
If you're the suspicious type feel free to make a perception roll as well...

Of course Kael is the suspicious type.

22:05, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 24 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 15.  Perception.

Dominique follows cautiously behind Shelyn's Paladin, his crossbow once again at the ready and the gilded plates of his armor scraping against each other with each 'quiet' step. When the woman seems to appear from nowhere and greet them peaceably the former Inquisitor diplomatically lowers the weapon without relaxing his guard, but keeps to his place and allows Lord Borric, or maybe the silver-tongued Elena, to speak for them.

16:18, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 17 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 10.  Perception.
+2 Enhancement Bonus to each of those rolls if you drank the koolaid.

"Well met." Elena greeted the faerie, her tone gentle.  She kept her distance from the stranger, both to avoid appearing aggressive and because she realized this crying woman would make the perfect bait for an ambush.  "There's nothing to apologize for.  This is a kinder greeting than we've received in some time, I'm afraid."

"If you'll forgive the question, what is it that makes your mood so sad?"

The fey woman was indeed weeping alone in the woods. Neither Dominique nor Kael could sense any kind of deception or ambush as Elena engaged the woman.

"I am Tiressia and t his is my grove. I have tended these trees for endless ages and yet I fear my time will soon come to an end. There is a blight, a wicked being that chokes the air and poisons the land itself.

I tried to destroy it or drive it away from these lands but I have failed. It is...too strong for me. I am bound to this grove so it is only a matter of time before it finds my home kills me."

Her lip quivers as she explains her seemingly inevitable fate.

"Well." Elena replied dryly.  "We can't have that, can we?"

Dropping into a short bow, Elena continued.  "It's a pleasure to meet you, Tiressa.  I'm Elena, and this is Lord Borric, as well as Dom, Kael, Iar and Caramip.  We're the leaders of Rivermarch, the human settlement to the East.  And...well not to brag, but we're pretty good at killing monsters."

"Can you tell us any more about the creature?  How it fights?"

Dominique looks towards Elena and nods in agreement before adding sagely, "And if it is something Lady Elena can't swing her glaive at, I could direct the Church of Erastil to look into cleansing the land. The tainting of the land and its resources are not something Abadar abides. Cities and nations are only as strong as their water is clean and crops are bountiful."

Iar takes in the beautiful Fae. He opens his mouth to speak but then snaps it shut to allow the original team take the lead. The little dragon in his arms looks up at him with a reptilian smirk and exhales deeply. This prompts a wide eyed return look and a quiet "That is not what I was thinking."

"Hmm, a blight and a wicked being. A bit light on details, but I agree it would be good for us to look into this." Kael muses on Tiressia's plea.

"It is a tree, but an evil one. Somehow it has gained strength and malevolence. It looks like a dead tree however its branches are hardened like steel and it can lash out with them slashing and slicing everything in its way.

It has a gash on its trunk that opens up into a maw and it devours every living thing it comes across. If you want to  fight it...fire seems the best approach. It's mind..or lack there of...resists charms and enchantments and you'll need something sharp to bite at its bark like an axe. It has no organs to pierce with arrows and...well...have you tried to take down a tree with a hammer?

Don't let its looks fool you though. It may seem like a tree but it can move, quite fast when it sense prey around.

If you would do this forest a kindness and eliminate it I can show you where to find it. The sooner the better, truthfully."

"Fire, of course. Wish I had some way of making use of that weakness. Where exactly can this tree be found?" Kael asks. Though he himself is willing to help out the fey woman, he does not wish to commit the party to anything just yet.

"Evil tree. Faster than it looks. Slash and burn it."  Elena repeated the important parts, picturing the best ways to destroy such a monster. After a moment, her easy smile returned.  "Seems pretty straightforwards, really!  Glad it's not some kind of...I dunno, spiritual taint we need to cleanse."

Turning to the rest of the party, she raised an eyebrow.  "Is everyone good to go?  I'm ready to start hitting this thing with my glaive right away, but I'd understand if someone wants to take a day to prepare some different spells or buy alchemist's fire or something."

Dominique nods along in agreement with the others--a wicked beast to kill is much simpler to deal with than the 'blights' he had been imagining. He answers Elena, "I would pray to Abadar to see what boon he could grant to aid us, but I'm afraid simply 'raining hellfire' is unfortunately beyond me." He looks to the dryad with his inquisitor's eye, hesitant to go off slaying things on the simple word of a fey--this tree could just as easily be innocent or a death trap as anything else--and asks as politely as he can manage, "Could you tell us more of this evil tree? Where did it come from? Why does it blight the lands? You tend these trees ... was it one of your ... 'flock?'"

22:42, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 29 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 16.  Sense Motive.

Tiressia seems to hesitate and then shake her head. Dominique doesn't sense she is lying but its more like explaining the nuances of the First World and the fey to outsiders is a complicated affair she doesn't really want to get into.

"No, it is not one of mine. It is said that when a murderer dies at the foot of a tree their blood soaks into the trees roots and forms one of these monsters. We call it a scythe tree for how its tree limbs cut through those it hunts.

As for why it hunts me? I cannot say for certain but I do know it is a wicked thing that delights in causing pain and suffering and spoiling the land which makes it and I natural enemies. It definitely is out to get me though, I have seen it pass by easier prey to try and cut me down instead. It is why I fear my time is coming to an end soon.

As for where it is..."


She pulls a piece of old bark from the folds of her dress and waves a hand over it. The lines and cracks begin to shift and mold and  wiggle about as if tiny caterpillars. They rearrange themselves and when the magical dance is done she has created a small map of the local area outlining a path that actually leads the party to a part of the coastline just Southwest of Rivermarch.

"While it travels far to hunt, this is where it makes its home."


Map has been updated

Kael examines the map on a piece of bark. "That's very close to our town. And if this thing hunts this far out from its home, that would put our people right in the middle of its hunting grounds. Just one more reason to make sure it's not able to hurt anyone at all."

Kael is ok with taking on this tree right now to protect our people (not to mention the pretty fey lady).

Dominique nods his silent appraisal of the fey's words to the others, but upon looking at the bark maps frowns and notes, "It seems we can't walk two steps in these lands without finding some new threat. Abadar save Rivermarch." Comparing the bark to the maps which they have been keeping, the High Priest suggests, "We still have much to do about trolls, bandits, lizardfolk, and ... what are the ruins to the west?"--he furrows his brown and blinks at the gap in his memory for a moment before finishing his thought--"But I don't like this threat being so close to the city."

Cara has been just sitting back and enjoying the other's do a little diplomacy for a change. It was nice to see other's succeed.

Whatever the rest decide he will of course go along with Iar currently seems somewhat smitten by the beautiful first worlder before him. Elven beauty is certainly something to behold but this seems to have taken his breath away.

"Well, let's get to it, I suppose." Elena declared determinedly.  Before turning to leave, she bid farewell to the dryad with another bow, this one lower and more graceful than the first.  "May we meet you here again, if we defeat your wooden nemesis?  We're still relative newcomers to these lands, and you're the first friendly face we've met among the fey.  I would love a chance to talk about these lands of yours, when your thoughts are not so preoccupied with the threat of getting scythed by a tree."

Tiressia bids the group farewell and promises to welcome them back if they return victorious.

---

The adventurers rode their horses South through forest with trepidation. The trees were tall and menacing, their branches blocking out much of the sunlight. The air was damp and heavy, filled with the smell of decay and earth. Somewhere in the distance, a lone owl screeched, its eerie cry echoing through the forest. The creak of branches swaying in the wind served as a constant reminder that danger lurked around every corner. Despite feeling uneasy, they continued onward, ready to face whatever was ahead.

Eventually the party found a woodland clearing, chocked with the sweet stench of decay hanging thick in the air. Knotted branches of sickly trees line the perimeter, creating a thick canopy that blocks most of the sunlight and cloaks the hollow in shadow. Withered vegetation struggles to grow in ragged clumps among the multitude of bones strewn across the forest floor.

Based on Tiressia's description the creature they were hunting could be any number of trees as they all looked twisted and sinister.

A quick glance around showed that all of the likeliest candidates had canopies of leaves. It would seem to be too easy to have one tree that stuck out like a sore thumb. Tiressia had warned the group repeatedly that the scythe tree was an ambush predator, blending in until it was too late...

"So we're looking for a tree in the middle of the forest?" Borric sounded dubious. "But this tree must look more sinister than these, right?" He pulled out a flask, "I have one bottle of Alchemist Fire. Anyone care for it?"

"Thank you, but I have my magic. Speaking of which, maybe this particular tree radiates magic?" Kael considers using his spell to search for traces of magic on the suspicious trees.

Going to cast Shield and Mirror Image before we close in. And Detect Magic once we get in 60' range of the trees, though I have no idea if that would do anything at all. Detect Evil would work better, I think.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Tue 10 Jan 2023.

"She did say it was an evil tree."  Elena suggested. "If it is, it won't be able to hide from me for long." 

A pale blue light began to emanate from the paladin's eyes as she attuned her senses to the cosmic energy around her.  Any powerful evil creature within 60' would have a visible aura she could spot.

OOC: Using Elena's alter self ability just for the strength bonus, then fully activating her detect evil ability before moving forwards.

I will take it, my lord, Caramip's small voice calls out. Most of the time of their travel she's just quietly looking about and trying to not get underfoot. If there are any interesting natural features she sees, she'll stop and jot down a few notes as to where the feature is in her map making kit so as to come back later for a detailed survey at a later date.

She also tries to prepare herself for what this creature might be able to do.

"I can't see the tree for the forest." The old elf complains, then lets out a little laugh as his familiar gives his hand an admonishing nip.

Dominique follows behind the others, letting the more dexterous and light of the party scout the footings through the underbrush. As the group travels he takes the time to appeal to Abadar for aid in the coming battle and as they draw nearer in these dark woods he takes up a handful of stones and begins to occasionally select a single stone, light it up with the holy light of a torch, and fling it into the darkest shadows which seem close in on them. Reaching the bone-filled clearing, the High Priest dismounts, ensures his crossbow is loaded and slung on his shoulder, and readies his shield emblazoned with the golden key of Abadar. He nods his readiness to others, and prepares to act when Elena outs the demon tree.

Preparing Summon Monster II in his open slot, assuming this is the same day.

Detecting for magic does get a faint hit but it is weird...it's not coming from the trees but seems to be buried underneath one of them.

As Elena scans the area though her inner paladin senses tingle as she start staring at one tree in  particular...and realizes almost too late that it is staring back at her...

Surprise round! Elena can call the alarm and you all get the standard "half round to do stuff, get into position etc. etc."

I'll work on getting a battlemap ready but it is ~25 feet away. If you guys are at 12 o'clock then it is around the 4 o'clock marker.

Bump my pm above.

"There!" Elena called out as she realized just what she was looking at.  She immediately dropped into a combat pose: Her feet sliding smoothly into a wide stance, facing the monstrous tree side-on with her glaive leveled and fully extended in it's direction.

Her first instinct was to charge, but something held her back.  After all, hadn't the dryad said the tree was intelligent?  Sure, it looked evil, and it detected as evil, and it's effects on the forest were certainly...not encouraging.  But none of that warranted death, necessarily, and the only other reason they had to slay the thing was the word of a complete stranger.

As pointless as it probably was to try and talk down something like the scythe tree, Elena felt obligated to give it some kind of effort.

"If you can speak,"  She called out, watching the tree carefully.  "Now would be a good time for it." She repeated the message in sylvan, the only other language she knew.

OOC: If you guys want to attack, Elena won't hold it against you.  You're not paladins, and trying to talk this thing down is a pretty low-percentage move.

READIED ACTION: If the enemy comes within 15' of Elena, she takes a 5' step towards it and attacks.

Once Elena spots the creature, Kael separates from the group and moves to one side.

Move 20' to one side, with the idea of going around it to establish flanking next round after it attacks us.

Borric drew sword. He issued a challenge to the tree and felt silly for it. Nevertheless, he stepped forward to strike at the trunk of the tree. "Should have brought an axe."

---

Swift Action: Challenge tree gives Borric +2 Damage Bonus at cost of -2 AC penalty from any other attacker that is not the tree.

Attack Tree
rolled 20 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 11.  ATK
rolled 12 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 7.  DAM

As the others begin to part and move in preparation for battle, Dominique raises his shield and offers a prayer to Abadar. The golden key emblazoned on the shield's face radiates with the god's divine will for a brief moment and a wave of courage washes over the allies.

Casting Bless, +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects for 4 minutes.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:41, Tue 24 Jan 2023.

Iar pulls a bit of dust from his component pouch and prepares the arcane words and gestures to double Elena's size and make her more effective against this creature. If it comes to blows that is. Iar wasn't a dwarf, he didn't assume that every tree was his enemy after all.

Caramip draws her crossbow and starts a recitation of the Ballad of Lord Germar. Staying where she is, she begins to point out stratagems on how to deal with the beast laced into the ballad. She reminds the others that weak to fire and strong against piercing and bashing attacks.

Actions:
Move: Draw Crossbow
Standard: Start Bardic Performance and use my Naturalist ability to give everyone within 30' +1 insight bonus to AC and on attack rolls and saving throws against extraordinary, supernatural, and spell-like abilities used by creatures of that specific kind of monster (e.g., frost giants, not all giants or all humanoids) aka Treerazor.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:48, Fri 03 Feb 2023.

Surprise Round

Elena steadies herself as she shouts out a warning.

Kael prepares himself by casting a defensive spell and suddenly there are illusuory duplicates of Kael standing in close proximity.

Borric issues a challenge.

Cara prepares her crossbow...

Round 1
Cara begins her bardic song...

Borric charges in and nicks the tree a little.

Waiting on actions from Dominique, Kael, Elena, Iar


This message was last edited by the GM at 04:43, Wed 08 Feb 2023.

Seeing that Borric is already swinging his sword at the scythe tree, Kael abandons his plan to circle around it. Instead he casts his most damaging spell and moves in to strike at the monster himself.

Swift: Spell Dance for movement and +2 AC against AoOs
Standard: Shocking Grasp
Move: Move to E12, just in range with Spell Dance
Free: Spellstrike

13:37, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 22,9,15 using 1d20+10,1d8+1,4d6 with rolls of 12,8,6,1,6,2.  Spellstrike (Attack, Damage, Shocking Grasp).

Elena felt silly for taking a defensive pose while the rest of her party rushed the tree, especially as their advance seemed to catch the monster completely off guard.  She hesitated for a brief moment, debating whether or not to hold to her earlier attempt to negotiate.  Making up her mind, she raised her glaive and charged the scythe tree.  Really, she couldn't think of any situation where they didn't kill the evil, forest-destroying monster, so she might as well get to it.

"Despoiler of nature!"  She called out, focusing her divine powers to empower her blade.  "Enemy of life and beauty!  Your blight upon the lands ends here!  In Shelyn's name, I smite you!"

OOC: I'm not sure how the surprise round would interact with the 1-round casting time of enlarge person.  If Iar can finish it on his turn, Elena waits for the spell to finish before advancing.

SWIFT: Declare smite against tree.
FULL: Charge scythe tree.  Hits AC 20 for 19 damage, or 31 damage if enlarged.

14:20, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 20,18 using d20+12,1d10+16 with rolls of 8,2.  charging smiting power attack. (note: I forgot the strength bonus from alter self)

14:23, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 31 using 2d8+17 with rolls of 6,8.  if enlarged.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:26, Thu 02 Feb 2023.

Dominique had quietly hoped that the creature would have some response--be allowed some response--to Elena's attempt to parley. A peaceful, profitable solution is always preferable to risking the Baron's neck in battle, but before such talks could begin the Baron was already charging into the fray. After only the briefest of pauses to frown and sigh, the High Priest lumbers forward in his plate armor, commanding loudly as he moves, "Do not resist! You are in the lands of Rivermarch and we will be happy for the lumber if you do!"

Move: 30' to F7; Standard: Demoralize evil Tree "Stop resisting! Stop resisting!"
18:40, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 18 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 5.  Intimidate Tree.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:41, Thu 02 Feb 2023.

Iar starts some gestures that look to be expanding and muttering some arcane words that sound suspiciously like maximus. As he blows the dust in his palm at Elena the magic takes effect and the weave twists to his desire. Elena grows to twice her size as she charges forward.

OOC: Using Enlarge Person on Elena

Borric charged at the tree, his heavy boots crunching against the twisted, rotting wasteland. He hacked at the tree but the tree responded in kind with lightning speed and Borric barely raised his shield up in time.

The tree attacked, swinging its branches at the hero in a deadly arc. Borric raised his shield, deflecting the blows, and counterattacked with his sword. The two clashed in a shower of sparks, the knight's sword ringing out against the tree's branches.

Borric was skilled but the tree was relentless. His shield took the first hit, his sword parried the second but the third came sweeping in at his side and sent him staggering to the side as the iron hard branch smashed into his ribs and caved in his armor.

OOC: Borric takes 10 pts of damage.

Cara moves a little closer as she ends her commentary so that if she has to, she can rush in. She knows that her small crossbow isn't going to do much so she pulls out a glass flask and prepares to get closer to throw it.

Actions:
Move: Get 15' closer to square D5
Action: pull Alchemist fire to throw next round
Free: Lingering Performance for 2 more rounds

Naturalist ability gives everyone within 30' +1 insight bonus to AC and on attack rolls and saving throws against extraordinary, supernatural, and spell-like abilities used by creatures of that specific kind of monster (e.g., frost giants, not all giants or all humanoids) aka Treerazor.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:18, Tue 14 Feb 2023.

Seeing Borric take a hit, Elena continued to press her attack against the massive tree in an attempt to follow up her last big hit.  Unfortunately, this time her strike went wide.

STANDARD: Power attack tree, natural 1.

06:55, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 13,25 using d20+12,2d8+17 with rolls of 1,2,6.  Power attack.

Kael slashes at the tree with his sword before attempting to disengage. He judges it too risky to try using his magic this close to the monster.

Attacking, then moving to F16. Acrobatics roll to avoid AoOs probably failed, but Kael still has AC 26 against AoOs, as well as Mirror Image. So, he'll probably be fine. Probably. Oh, and I forgot to roll for number of Images before.

14:16, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 21,3 using 1d20+10,1d8+1 with rolls of 11,2.  Attack, Damage.
14:16, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 14 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 5.  Acrobatics.
14:25, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 3 using 1d4+1 with rolls of 2.  Mirror Image.

The High Priest stays back and stays calm, watching the battle as he begins to summon another servant of Abadar.

Full-Round: Casting Summon Monster 2, Small Fire Elemental in a flanking position

Elena, Kael and Borric charge in chopping away at the thick bark of the tree. It seems to be as effective as chopping down a tree with a sword but thanks to Elena's massive strength and Kael's spells it does seem to be making a mark on the tree. Elena hits a natural fault splitting off a large branch and tearing a gash down its side. Kael's electrical spell leaves a scorch mark that then proceeds to ooze steaming sap.

Kael dances away and the scythe tree thumps a branch on where Kael used to be but the agile elf dodges the attack, as does his illusory mirrors.

Dominique summons up a fire elemental and  everyone else gets in position to defend against the tree's many attacks.

The tree nearly clips Borric but a last minute warning from Cara lets him twist just in time so the branch slides off his armor. Elena is of sufficient size that she can use her giant glaive to fend off the tree's attacks but being large sized also means she is a large target. While the tree swings overhead drawing her defenses upward, a tree branch shoots straight out slashing right at a weak spot under her armpit. Crimson blood splashes down as Elena takes a critical hit.

Elena takes 20 damage

Round 2

Elena gasped and faltered as the scythe tree's bladed limb plunged through her ribcage.  Staggering backwards, she swung back at monstrous plant, only for her massive glaive to deflect off of it's thick bark.

Still, a paladin was made of sterner stuff than most, and Elena quickly recovered from her shock.  Recovered from the wound itself, too: even as she fell back into a proper combat stance, the blood flowing from her side was already slowing to a trickle.

STANDARD: Power attack Scythe tree, missing with a 14.
SWIFT: Use Lay on Hands on self, healing 12 damage.

21:57, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 14,23 using d20+12,2d8+17 with rolls of 2,3,3.  Power attack.
21:56, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 12 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,6.  Lay on hands, self.

Cara moves just a little closer so that she can aim her alchemist's fire above Borric and hopefully not hit him. Rearing back, she lobs the flask up.

Actions:
Free: Lingering Performance ends at the start of my next turn.
Move: Forward 20' to A8
Standard: Throw Alchemist's Fire 15' (aiming at B11) Hitting an AC of 7 due to range penalties. Since it's huge it'll automatically take 1 splash fire damage even if it misses so long as it landed in it's squares.

05:29, Today: Caramip Scheppen rolled 9,2 using 1d20+5,1d6 with rolls of 4,2.  Attack/damage.

https://www.d20pfsrd.com/equip...Oil-Alchemist-s-Fire

Naturalist ability gives everyone within 30' +1 insight bonus to AC and on attack rolls and saving throws against extraordinary, supernatural, and spell-like abilities used by creatures of that specific kind of monster (e.g., frost giants, not all giants or all humanoids) aka Treerazor. Note: If no one moves closer, this will only effect Elena, Dominique, the elemental, and Borric.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:42, Sat 18 Feb 2023.

Kael casts another spell, then circles around to try to hit the tree in the back (if a tree can be said to even have a back).

Shocking grasp, move to D14 and... probably a miss. At least I get to try again next round.
13:47, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 18,5,13 using 1d20+12,1d8+1,4d6 with rolls of 6,4,5,3,2,3.  Spellstrike (Attack, Damage, Shocking Grasp).

Round 3
Elena and the scythe tree battle back and forth. Cara launches an alchemist's fire but the flask is deflected midflight by a branch and only a small amount of the burning liquid catches on the tree.

The tree lashess out at Kael who ducks between its blows to try and strike at the tree but a flurry of branches cause him to have to leap back to safety.

Borric continues hacking at the thick trunk but doesn't seem to be making much of more than chipping a few pieces of bark off.


Round 3

Elena's wound continued to close as she traded strikes with the massive tree.  Unfortunately, her strike once again went wide.  Perhaps she just wasn't used to fighting at her new size?

STANDARD: Attack tree.  Miss with nat 1.
SWIFT:Lay on hands targeting self.  Heals 5 HP.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:06, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

Realizing that she'd put herself into a bad spot, Caramip started casting a spell on herself. Then she moved up closer to where she could be in a more central location especially the heavy hitters.

Actions:
Standard: Cast Sanctuary on myself DC 15 Will save to attack me
Move: 20' to E7 (Diag to B7 then down to E7) drawing a potential AoO
Free: 1 more round of Bardic Performance left

Naturalist ability gives everyone within 30' +1 insight bonus to AC and on attack rolls and saving throws against extraordinary, supernatural, and spell-like abilities used by creatures of that specific kind of monster (e.g., frost giants, not all giants or all humanoids) aka Treerazor. If I finish my movement

Kael doesn't fare much better than Elena, as his own strike does little more than chip at the tough bark.

Another miss. Still holding the spell.
12:34, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 15,9,19 using 1d20+12,1d8+1,4d6 with rolls of 3,8,2,6,5,6.  Spellstrike (Attack, Damage, Shocking Grasp).

As the fire elemental continues to attack the evil tree with flaming limbs, Dominique calls down Abadar's radiance to smite the monstrosity before stepping in closer to position himself to aid the Baron.

Elemental Standard: Slam
Dom Standard: Burst of Radiance  Dom Free: 5' step towards Borric
DC 17 Reflex Save Fail: Blinded 1d4 rounds, Success: Dazzled 1d4 rounds.

10:24, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 16,4 using d20+5,1d4+1 with rolls of 11,3.  Elemental Slam Attack/Damage (incl. Bardic Performance).
10:27, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 10 using 4d4 with rolls of 3,2,1,4.  Burst of Radiance damage.

Elena, Kael, and Borric continue their fight with the deadly tree that has become a standoff as it's sweeping branches keep them from being able to land solid hits against its core trunk.

Cara's sanctuary seems to have worked out well as the tree takes a swipe at her and then deflects its own attack at the last second.

Iar sends out a telekinetic fist that slams against the bark but doesn't seem to have much effect on the tree.

Dominique lets loose a burst of golden light that causes the tree to suddenly spasm and let loose as shriek and its bark seems blackned close to where the spell landed.
Burst of radiance causes 10 damage to the tree.

The tree swings its branches at all its attackers. Kael and Elena both fend off its attacks but it sends a sweeping branch against the fire elemental and destroys the elemental in one sweep. The branch it uses catches fire that quickly starts to race along the dry wood causing damage but the scythe tree slams the burning limb against the ground smothering the fire.
The tree passes the reflex save so doesn't catch fire but does take 2 fire damage from attacking the elemental with a natural weapon.

Round 3

Noticing that Kael is just a little to far for him to hear her guidance, she takes a short movement forward and starts calling out the creature's weaknesses. "See the knot? Hit it right there! Hack at it's wounded limb! The fire might make it brittle."

OCC: Actions
Free: Naturalist ends at the start of my turn
Move: 5' step to E8
Standard: Re up Naturalist

Naturalist ability gives everyone within 30' +1 insight bonus to AC and on attack rolls and saving throws against extraordinary, supernatural, and spell-like abilities used by creatures of that specific kind of monster (e.g., frost giants, not all giants or all humanoids) aka Treerazor.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:26, Thu 09 Mar 2023.

Following Cara's directions, Kael finally delivers a solid strike to the tree. "Thanks!"

07:49, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 31,2,14 using 1d20+12,1d8+1,4d6 with rolls of 19,1,3,4,6,1.  Spellstrike (Attack, Damage, Shocking Grasp).
07:49, Today: Kael Valleni rolled 26 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 14.  Crit?

Looks like a crit, so 4 slashing and 28 electricity damage?

Following Cara's advice, Elena brought her enlarged glaive down hard on the tree, catching it right at the joint where the injured limb met the main body.

STANDARD: Power attack tree, hitting AC 20 for 24 damage.

10:53, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 20,24 using 1d20+10,2d8+17 with rolls of 10,5,2.  Power smite.

See the tree begin to sway under the assault of the others, Dominique draws his likely ineffectual morningstar as he takes another step in to Borric's flank and shouts at the evil plant, "Surrender! Parley or be loosed from this world!"

Free: 5-foot, Move: Draw, Standard: Demoralize
21:31, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 17 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 4.  Intimidate Retry.
Don't mind me, just being useless.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Mon 13 Mar 2023.

He rummages through his component pouch and pulls out a tiny chili as he lofts his familiar off his hand. Knowing what the plan is, and loving the feeling of being taken seriously, the pseudo-dragon darts forward so that he is about 10 feet away from the malignant tree. Then through the arcane association of magic Iar breathes deeply of the chili and yet the spice has no detrimental effect on him. The pint-sized dragon however, begins to sneeze a cone of fire and wind onto the tinder dry enemy.

OOC: Familiar moves to C9 and starts sneezing.
14:03, Today: Iar Gullic rolled 8 using 2d6 with rolls of 2,6.  Fire Damage. Ref save for half. Failed Ref save requires DC 12 Fort save or be blown prone.

Cara's voice rang out over the sound of battle, her mind racing as she tried to recall every detail she knew about the scythe tree. With each passing moment, she shared more and more of her knowledge with her fellow fighters, hoping it would give them an advantage in their efforts to take down the formidable opponent.

As Kael landed a blow with his electrifying attack, a jolt of energy rippled through the air, sending shivers down everyone's spines. The tree quaked as the electrical energy surged through its trunk, leaving behind a brutal scorch mark that glowed red-hot against the dark bark.

Elena charged forward, unleashing another devastating attack that shook the tree to its core. The sound of wood splintering echoed across the battlefield as a massive chunk of the tree's side was torn away, leaving a gaping wound in its wake.

Dominique darted in and out of the fray, trying to distract the tree and impede its attacks. His attempts seemed futile, however, as the tree continued to lumber forward with an almost supernatural determination.

Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, a colorful streak cuts through the air, and a small dragon swooped down from the sky. As it approached the tree, it took in a deep breath of air before unleashing a blast of searing flames that engulfed the tree's limbs.

The tree stumbled and flailed, desperately trying to extinguish the growing inferno that raged across its body. But it was too late; the fire had already caught hold and was spreading rapidly, fueled by the dry bark that had been cleaved off by Kael, Borric, and Elena.

In a matter of moments, the tree was consumed by flames, burning from the inside out. The sound of cracking wood filled the air as the tree toppled to the ground, smoldering embers and ash raining down around it.

OOC: Combat has ended!

---

Searching the clearing just to ensure that the scythe tree was truly dealt with and to see if there was anything else of interest caused the party to stumble upon treasure the scythe tree had buried beneath its roots.

Treasure:
x3 Pieces of amber
x1 Robe of Bones
42cp, 55sp, 6gp
x1 Simple silver ring (non-magical)

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:54, Wed 22 Mar 2023.

Kael examines the items they found, but has no interest in any of them. At least the monster tree is dead and posses no further threat to Tiressia or to their own people.

OOC: Anyone want any of this stuff? Also, back to Tiressia next?

"Strange that a tree would have money."  Elena remarked as they collected the treasure lodged between the monster's roots.  She hacked off a relatively unburnt limb from the smoldering tree and hefted it over one shoulder as a trophy.  She had been getting into woodcarving recently, as a way of honoring Shelyn through art, and she hoped that turning part of the scythe tree into a work of art might serve as some penance for solving yet another problem through brute force.

"It was probably left over from victims that didn't make it," Cara says as she studies the tree. She picks up a particularly large leaf and pressed it into her scrap book. "Many opportunity hunters will have it just laying around their lairs. This activity isn't limited to plant life. In fact spiders and lizards will do the same thing. Giant owls are also known to cough up pellets that, if an adventurer is eaten, will have not only bones and hair, but the person's equipment mostly intact."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:43, Tue 21 Mar 2023.

"Then when owe the evil tree a bit of gratitude, it seems." Dominique remarks as he sneers at the sight of the foul robe. He looks to Borric and adds, "I recommend we burn the robe to free whatever souls it still ensnares."

"Are you sure about that?" Kael asks as he examines the robe they found. "It's definitely not my style, but it could still be worth a pretty penny."

"Mmhmm, indeed. The robe itself, like most magic, is not intrinsically evil. It is how it is used that determines its values. I would suggest that we either use it ourselves, knowing that our use of it will be right at proper. Or we keep a close eye on whomever we sell it to." He reasons while stroking the nose of his familiar.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:40, Wed 22 Mar 2023.

Elena looked over the robe in question suspiciously.  She hadn't really thought about the implications of such a thing, and now she wasn't sure what the right course of action was.  Did a robe of bones really trap people's souls?  Even if it didn't, was it okay to sell it knowing it would wind up in some necromancers hands?

"I've heard that the church of Pharasma is sometimes willing to pay a bounty for things like this, for tools of necromancy recovered by adventurers." She suggested carefully.  "That they can repurpose them, or destroy them as part of their rituals or...something.  At the very least, it might be worth bringing it to Father Bhalbrook before we do anything rash."

Father Dominique considers for a moment, and then nods in agreement. "It certainly wouldn't hurt to see what Father Banbrook recommends." He then nods his head to the side and shrugs with his hands as he further reasons, "Or to be seen doing the right thing by more than us and the trees. Since apparently we have a publicity problem and apparently that matters now."

As the party approaches the glade where they first met Tiressia and Falchos, they notice that the air seems lighter and the forest seems greener, almost as if the plants themselves are celebrating their victory. As they enter the clearing, they see Tiressia and Falchos waiting for them, their expressions anxious and hopeful.

Tiressia steps forward, her emerald green eyes bright with anticipation. "Have you succeeded in defeating the scythe tree?" she asks, her voice trembling with hope.

"Got 'em." Elena replied easily, with a gesture to the severed tree limb lashed to her saddle.  It probably looked like a pretty grisly trophy to the dryad, akin to carting around a severed arm.  But hopefully that would be outweighed by it's proof that Tiressa's problem was solved.

Seeing that the dryad wasn't alone this time, Elena greeted Tiressa's companion with a low bow.  "Well met, stranger," she called in greeting.  "I assume our friend Tiressa has told you about us?"

"Turned the damned thing into kindling." Kael confirms Elena's words.

OOC: Elena of Rivia, eh? You know, witchers usually get paid at this point. But I suppose that's unlikely here.

And yeah, I don't recall meeting this Falchos with the dryad either. Or did we run into him somewhere else before that?

"It's Pharasma's problem now." Dominique agrees as he looks over the suddenly greener environment and the new stranger before noting, "Though it looks like you already knew that."

Falchos, the satyr, smiles at Elena's greeting and bows in return. "Indeed she has," he says, his voice light and musical. "I am Falchos, and I owe you and your companions a great debt of gratitude for your aid in defeating the scythe tree. I was gravely injured trying to defeat the tree myself, " he continues, pointing to a large pink scar of magically healed flesh along his side.

Tiressia steps forward, her eyes shining with gratitude. "We cannot thank you enough for your help," she says. "Without you, we would have been doomed. The forest owes you a great debt, and we will always be in your debt."

As she speaks, the forest around them seems to grow even greener, and the birdsong becomes even more joyful. It's as if the entire natural world is celebrating their victory.

Falchos places a hand on Tiressia's shoulder. "And we, too, are grateful," he says, his voice softening. "We would be honored to repay you in any way we can."

Tiressia nods in agreement. "Indeed," she says. "We may be able to offer you aid in your travels, or perhaps information that could prove helpful."

The air around them seems to hum with magic, and for a moment, it feels as if the entire forest is holding its breath, waiting to see how the they would respond.

Cara is listening, but all the lush vegetation has her distracted. The vibrant greens and other colors as flowers open up have her riveted. Pulling out her note book, she starts to draw and write notes on what is happening and what plants are here. She will definitely be spending some time asking about the uses for the plants and other information.

Kael like the sound of that offer. Doing good is all well and good, but doing good and getting something for your work is even better. "How exactly can you help us? Right now we have a bit of a troll problem ourselves. We need to find where they are coming from, and then put a stop to them. Is there anything you know or could do to aid us in that?"

Elena nodded in agreement with Kael.  Like Cara, she was amazed by the sudden beauty and growth that had seemed to flow into the grove in an instant, but she forced herself to focus on the topic at hand.  "The trolls are a threat to everyone, and they're not working alone.  They had ogres with them last time we met, and they'd been trying to recruit Zackot and his Dark Pipers when we caught up to them.  They're led by someone who signs his letters with an 'H'."

Iar revels in the musical sound of Tiressia's voice, as the woods respond to the couple talking he smiles as though drugged, then it all comes crashing down when Falchos puts his hand on her shoulder. The beautiful ones are always unattainable is written across his face. He then flinches as the tiny dragon on his shoulder flexes her claws. It was probably for the best that he was further to the back of the group.

Dominique nods along in agreement with the others, still deferring to the Baron to lead but having nothing to add himself.

Tiressia nods in understanding. "Trolls can be quite dangerous, but fear not, for I may be able to help you." She pauses for a moment, her eyes closing as she seems to listen to the sounds of the forest. When she opens her eyes again, they are bright and full of energy.

"I sense that the trolls are coming from the Southwest, deep in the Narlmarches," she says, pointing in the direction she mentioned. "There is a cave system there that the trolls have made their lair. I can give you directions to it, but I warn you, it will not be an easy journey. The trolls are fierce and savage, and they will not hesitate to attack anyone who enters their territory."

She pauses, her voice dropping to a soft whisper.

"I sense many of them. It might be too many for you to handle alone. I would offer more assistance but it is too far from my tree. I can hear the whispers of the trees but beyond that there is little more I can do for you."


OOC: Map has been updated to show the precise location of the troll lair.

Is that the red marker?

"Hmm, not really good news, but at least we now know where they are coming from. Perhaps we should muster some help and equipment before we take that place on."

OOC: Red marker is our current location, I think. Trolls are probably at the Stronghold, bottom left of the map. Anyway, I am fine with continuing to explore for now, find some exp/gear for the big fight. G3 maybe?

Also, did I just hear a level-up sound?

Elena nodded in agreement with Kael.  "After seeing how much damage a handful of trolls did at the Piper's tower, I'm not in any hurry to march our army into the forest again.  In an open field, I trust our archers and cavalry to win the day, but they're next to useless in dense woods like this."

"And I'm not in a hurry to just blindly walk up to their stronghold either, not without knowing what we're up against.  Which...I guess leaves us back at square one."

Turning hopefully back to the fae couple, Elena asked them, "Is there anything you could tell us about the other inhabitants of this forest?  Is there anyone here who might be both willing and able to help us against these giants, or at least know more about them?  Like I said, this mysterious H is clearly looking for allies.  He might have reached out to some of the other locals."

Her expression darkened.  "And speaking of which...Zackot.  Him and his Dark Pipers set up their base not far from here, you must know something about him.  We've got him locked up, facing trial and then probably execution.  Do you..." she shrugged, not entirely sure what she was even getting at.  "I guess I'm just asking if you have any opinions on that."

OOC: G3 seems as good as anywhere, unless these two can share any more info.

On hearing Elena ask about Zackot, Kael adds: "Or perhaps advice on how to deal with him. The bastard is guilty as hell, yet he insisted on a public trial and for us to release his henchmen before surrendering. He's clearly up to something."

Good idea to ask about him, Elena. If whatever he is planning is connected to other fey, they might have heard something about it.

Falchos' expression darkens at the mention of Zackot and his Dark Pipers. "Zackot is a dangerous creature, with a silver tongue that can easily sway weak minds," he warns, his musical voice turning serious. "He and his followers have caused a great deal of trouble in the past, and we are grateful that you have apprehended him."

Tiressia nods in agreement. "Zackot is a master of deception and trickery, and his words can be like sweet honey to those who listen to him," she says. "We have seen many creatures fall under his sway. In fact it is because of him that the Dark Pipers got both their name and power. Be careful when listening to him for even without magic he can bring listeners to his side."

Elena sighed in relief at hearing the Fae's warnings about Falchos. "If nothing else, I'm glad to hear we share the same opinion of that creep.  Would you be willing to come to the trial and tell our people about him publically?"  This question was directed to Falchos, since the dryad's ability to leave her tree seemed limited.  "If Zackot tries to paint us as a mob of brutal invaders, having a fellow satyr speak against him could really take the wind out of his sails.  It might also show our more xenophobic citizens that not every faerie in the forest is a monster like him."

Dominique nods along as the others discuss the troll and Zackot problems. He runs a hand over his beard as he reasons, "We promised him a fair and just trial, and I would certainly aim to honor that, but we would be wise to limit who witnesses the trial and passes judgement to those well-guarded against manipulation. I will consult with my council about any additional protections we can muster."

Finishing up drawing a particular plant, Cara remarks, "I may have something to deal with that." She then moves on to jot notes about the flower she just drew, noting any special scents or features.

Falchos frowns and shakes his head. "I am sorry but I am needed here. The forest is still a dangerous place and the fair fey still need protecting."

"Oh?"  Elena asked with interest. "Is that what you are, Falchos?  A knight errant of the forest, wandering the land and keeping the fair fey safe?  It's delightful to meet someone so like-minded.  I'll admit, I have less time to play the wandering hero than I like these days, having been foolish enough to take on a role in government."  She smiled as she delivered this bit of self deprecation, making it clear that last part was a joke.

Thinking over the issue, Elena came up with an idea.  "If you're so worried about the forest that you can't leave even for a day or two, even to pay back the people who saved your..." The paladin hesitated, not being clear on the exact nature of Falchos' relationship with the dryad and not wanting to give offense by guessing.  "...who saved Tiressa's life?  Well, then it must be serious.  We could have some of our people take over your watch in case anything happens while you're gone.  Our marshal Artanix is a priestess of Sarenrae, both gentle and strong.  I'm sure she could keep your people safe for a few days."

To be honest, Elena couldn't tell if Falchos was actually too worried to leave his neck of the woods, or if it was merely an excuse to brush them off.  But either way, Elena wasn't going to let the matter slide that easily.

14:10, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 23 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 11.  Diplomacy.

Iar perks up during the conversation. "I would gladly stay and protect the 'fair fey' while you see justice done." He promptly offers giving a splendid smile to Tiressa.

Falchos smiles but waves the suggestion away.

"No, my place is here, just as your place is out there. Your people do not belong to the woods nor do our kind fair well outside."

He frowns as Elena starts making what he interprets as veiled threats but he seems willing to chalk it up as simple miscommunication.

"Well I think it is time that you continue on with your travels. I do hope our paths cross again though."

Falchos' attitude has shifted down from helpful to friendly.

"Forgive me."  Elena dipped her head in apology at the miscommunication.  Though her words and her tone stayed polite, their earlier warmth had been replaced with a more formal civility.  "As I said, we are unused to dealing with the Fae, and I misunderstood your meaning.  When you said you owed us a great debt and that you would repay us any way you could, I...well, I mistakenly assumed you actually meant what you were saying.  It will not happen again."

"Don't get me wrong, we didn't demand any payment for helping you, and we still don't.  I certainly can't accuse you of breaking a deal or wronging us in any meaningful way.  But I can - And DO - consider you an ingrate and a dissembler.  Good day."  With that, Elena turned to leave, doing her best not to give the impression of stomping away in a huff.

OOC: Elena's attitude has shifted from friendly to indifferent.

Tiressia watches the exchange with growing sadness in her eyes. It seems that Falchos likewise turns and storms off in a huff in the opposite direction of Elena leaving an apologetic Tiressia to help smooth over the breach.

"I'm sorry if we seem reluctant but I am physically bound to the woods and Falchos has pledged a bond to me and thus both our ability to leave are...limited. We do wish to help however we can so perhaps if there are problems you face that don't require us to leave our home then I'm sure Falchos would be keen to help! It's not that we don't want to help, it's that your request is beyond our abilities."