The Hacking Cough

[tdsprouse]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Sorry Duni, but could we get an updated map with everyones current positions? I am not sure if Ryiad can make into melee right, i think everyone is gathered around B2. is that correct?

[Duniagdra]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Sorry Duni, but could we get an updated map with everyones current positions? I am not sure if Ryiad can make into melee right, i think everyone is gathered around B2. is that correct?

I must have been editing my post while you were posting this. Map is up. Ryaid would be firing into Melee (-4 attack). But only B2 is in melee, B3 has not been engaged yet.

[tdsprouse]

Ryiad will move to -AU,-15 (right behind Collin) and fire at B3 (Not in melee)

Short Bow Attack B3;Damage (1d20 4=19, 1d6=4)

[BusyCowboy]

Illixian keeps his distance, but also puts himself within range of everyone else, in case of healing being needed (I am guessing around AW14).

[apwhite]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Duni and pals- Drizztfan and I will be gone this weekend; seperate camping trips. I might be able to get 'net access. He surely won't. We will both be back sunday night or monday morning.

[Duniagdra]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Just so everyone knows, I've not put this game on hold. I have two actions posted, There are two more actions to be posted. I will post actions for the missing players. Let's keep this moving!

[Duniagdra]

Locutus attempts the same attack while remaining where he is.

Spoiler: show

HA:Ryker Attack (DC20); Rykers attack + Guidance; Damage; Trip Attempt; Defence against Trip if Ryker loses against the Bugbear (1d20+13=21, 1d20+4=24, 1d6+1=3, 1d20+2=9, 1d20+6=10)

[Duniagdra]

Colin, after failing the grapple, decides to stick with something he's more confident in.

Spoiler: show

Flurry of Blows (1d20+2=3, 1d6+4=10, 1d20+2=3, 1d6+4=6)
Go figure, Two Crit misses back-to-back

[apwhite]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    OK, I'm back from camp.

[Benji]

If B2 is still alive, then Drini will attack it with both axes.

Attack;Damage (x2) (1d20+4=23, 1d6+4=10, 1d20+4=11, 1d6+4=9)

If B2 is dead by his turn, then Drini will move to -AW,-18 and attack B3 with one axe.

Attack;Damage (1d20+6=10, 1d6+4=9)

[Duniagdra]

Round 1

Initiative:
1. Ryaid
2. Collin
3. Delastian
4. Drini
5. Illixian
6. Locutus
7. Bugbear (2)

Ryiad will move to -AU,-15 (right behind Collin) and fire at B3 (Not in melee)

Short Bow Attack B3;Damage (1d20 4=19, 1d6=4)

Ryaid ducks around the trunk of a tree as he instead moves to AW14 and maintain a clear line to B3. he fires his arrow and it lands fully into the Bugbear's shoulder. (B3 -4)

Colin, after failing the grapple, decides to stick with something he's more confident in.

Spoiler: show

Flurry of Blows (1d20+2=3, 1d6+4=10, 1d20+2=3, 1d6+4=6)
Go figure, Two Crit misses back-to-back

Collin misses on both punches.
Delastain attacks B2.

Spoiler: show

DelAttRoll.jpg

Delastian cleaves through his victim with grace and speed. (B2 Dead)

If B2 is still alive, then Drini will attack it with both axes.

Attack;Damage (x2) (1d20+4=23, 1d6+4=10, 1d20+4=11, 1d6+4=9)

If B2 is dead by his turn, then Drini will move to -AW,-18 and attack B3 with one axe.

Attack;Damage (1d20+6=10, 1d6+4=9)

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    If offering conditional attack as Drini has here, no need to reroll an attack. I'm disregarding the second attack roll.

Drini attacks B3 with wild abandon as he drives his axe into the same shoulder as Ryaid's arrow. At least B3 doesn't have to worry about the arrow in its shoulder any more. (B3 -10hp)

Illixian keeps his distance, but also puts himself within range of everyone else, in case of healing being needed (I am guessing around AW14).

Illixian moves to AV14 instead.

Locutus attempts the same attack while remaining where he is.

Spoiler: show

HA:Ryker Attack (DC20); Rykers attack + Guidance; Damage; Trip Attempt; Defence against Trip if Ryker loses against the Bugbear (1d20+13=21, 1d20+4=24, 1d6+1=3, 1d20+2=9, 1d20+6=10)

Ryker is commanded to attack B3 and he tears a nice little chunk of meat from its thigh. This seems to be just more than the bugbear could endure. (B3 Dead)
You search the three bugbears and find the following items:

• 50gp total
• 3 leather armour
• 3 morning stars

The lumberjack is quite dead and beyond your means of aid. You find only a lumberaxe and a few copper coins on him.

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Current Damage: All foes dead Current Effects: None

[Benji]

“Phew!” Drini sighs. “That was exciting! What do you think we should do with these bodies? I'm no priest, but we should give at least the lumberjack some kind of burial, right?”

[tdsprouse]

“At the least, yes. I'd suggest dragging teh bugbears some distance away to attract scavengers, and cover the lumberjack with rocks. On our way back we should consider bringing his body back to the camp.

The equipment from the bugbears is usable if anyone needs it. else i think we should stow it somewhere and pick it up on the way back to sell in town. Anyone know if there is a reward for bugbears?”

[Duniagdra]

One of you remembers a sign at town hall posting a list of payouts for certain creatures. Bugbear heads are 10gp each.

[Benji]

“Well if these bugbears are worth a reward then it should fund a few journeys to the Inn when we return! Er... If any of you are squeamish then I suggest looking away now.” Then Drini begins the grisly task of decapitating the dead creatures.

[apwhite]

“Good boy, Ryker!” Locutus warmly rewards Ryker for his obedience.

“I agree with burying the lumberjack. I'd like to collect the reward for the bugbears too. It is a bit impractacle to carry the heads with us. Let's get them on the way back, assuming we return this way. I am willing to take the risk of not finding this place on the way back. Surely we could mark up a few trees in order to find this location. If we need to return via a circuitous route, it would be worth a quick trip back to get the 20gp. Let's claim their gear and sell it. They won't be needing it.”

[DrizztFan24]

Collin speaks up, perhaps because of his bruised pride, “Why not use the river to our advantage? There is no need to drag the bodies away when we can let them wash away of their own accord.”

[BusyCowboy]

Illixian shudders at the thought of the river “Lest not bring up the river. A proper burial would be good for the soul of the departed and for our own as well” and then he thinks “I wonder who we tell about his death...”

[Duniagdra]

You all come to the general census of burying the lumberjack under heavy stones. This process takes about three hours to complete, which brings you into mid day. You lop the head of the three bugbears and leave them under the stone grave, but not beside the lumberjack. You plan on returning at some time for them, but feel that keeping rotting heads with you might draw the attention other creatures. Finding that the armor and weapons would just add weight you don't need, you opt to leave them with the grave also. When you look over the lumberaxe, you notice in the handle that a name is carved in it. You assume it to be the name of the lumberjack and so keep the axe with you.
You press on for another hour when you finally come to the large tree in the forest. It stands alone as though the forest has stepped aside for a royal member of their kind. This tree must be three hundred feet tall with a ninety foot spread. The base of the tree has to be a good thirty feet with a root system that decimates the ground around it.

[Benji]

“So I'm guessing this is the oldest tree?” Drini says. “Uh... What now?”

[BusyCowboy]

Looking up at the tree Illixian ponders and heads towards it “I am not sure myself, however in some cases it is said of great oaks. I wonder if this could be something similar to such.”

[marine7312000]

Delastian eyes the tree and says “We might want to send someone to the other side to make sure there are no enemies nearby.” He then begins making his way around the tree keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    I don't have access to my sheet at the moment, could you roll Perception for me Jim?

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    1d20+1=18 Duni

[tdsprouse]

Ryiad will begin searching for the Elderwood Mold. and will work his way around the tree with Delastian.

“The Elderwood Mold, that's what we're looking for. I guess it should be growing on the tree somewhere.”


Search (1d20 9=25)

[Duniagdra]

Delastian and Ryaid begin to walk around the tree to determine the group's safety and search for the Elderwood Moss they came looking for. As they reach a new view of the tree, they see what appears to be a lighter shade of color to the rich darkness of the Darkwood Bark. The patches the Del and Ryaid can see appear to be a growth on the shaded side of the tree (BM16), similar to how moss would grow on any other tree. The roots are covered in a deep layer of debris, years of fallen leaves and branches.
Illixian steps closer to the tree and can tell that moving about will be difficult at best.

Though the bulk of the canopy builds about twenty feet from the ground, a couple of the older, thicker, heavier branches droop low enough to touch the ground before rising back up into the canopy as if it where a tree of it's own. If you were to climb onto one of these branches, you could probably find a way to climb to the top, if you so chose.

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Feel free to disregard the minus (-) before each of the coordinates.

[tdsprouse]

“Looks like there could be some Elderwood Moss growing over there...” Ryiad points to the location.

“Though i think it would be wise to scout around a bit first. Does anyone fancy a trip to the top? Looks like we could climb up on these branches. probably be able to see a lot from up there.”

[BusyCowboy]

Illixian looks up at the tree and shakes his head “Nay, not I. Someone mayhaps more nimble than I would best be suited for that kind of a task”

[Benji]

“Me neither.” Drini says shaking his head. “I'm not too bad at climbing, but I don't trust my chances of staying up on those branches for too long.”

[apwhite]

Locutus looks at the massive tree with awe. “Ryker, look at it's beauty. What a majestic structure.” Turning to the others then to the environment, he first surveys with region about the tree, scanning for dangers (rolling a 11) “How does a tree survive so long without protections?” he asks of no one in particular. THINKING: Too many branches, too many hiding places.Not feeling too confident in his ability to spot any hidden dangers, Locutus commands Ryker to scout the area.

Ryker snaps to and begins sniffing the air and running in patterns around the party. He starts in a 15' circle then fans out to 30'. His nose moves from ground to air, sniffing and sampling the air. The others are amazed at how efficient Ryker is. “How well does he flush birds?” Collin asks. “The best part is, he only flushes if I want him to. Otherwise, he stands on-point.” Locutus nods and continues to watch the wolf's work. “It sure makes hunting easier.”

Then speaking to all:
“Brothers, stand by just a moment while Ryker scouts. As soon as we determine that it is safe, I'd like to check this tree for natural defenses. Perhaps there are entities or forces protecting this tree, else it would have fallen long ago. Let us not upset the balance of nature with our haste.”

Assuming Ryker has not found any living things (other than us), I will do a survival check to spot any toxins or dangers on the branches and moss, including weak branches or symbiotic lifeforms whcih may harm us. (I rolled an 11).

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    I have a +3 Climb Check.

Spoiler: show

Perception near tree. (1d20 5=14)Oops, it should be only a +2; +5 is Rykers. I got a 11
Handle Ryker (DC15); Ryker's Perception. (1d20+13=30, 1d20+5=18).
Survival check on dangers in tree. (1d20+9=11)
Ryker has Scent ability:
Copy of the SRD:

Scent

This extraordinary ability lets a creature detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell.

A creature with the scent ability can detect opponents by sense of smell, generally within 30 feet. If the opponent is upwind, the range is 60 feet. If it is downwind, the range is 15 feet. Strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, can be detected at twice the ranges noted above. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk or troglodyte stench, can be detected at three times these ranges.

[DrizztFan24]

Collin scans the area for danger also. “THAT is a massive tree. Think that lumberjack can get through this thing in twenty swings?” Changing subjects, Collin thinks back to one of his favorite escape routes when he was being bullied, over buildings. “I can climb up the tree. I had to climb back home all of the time to escape the gangs.”

Climb then Perception. Climb followed by Perception (1d20+6=9, 1d20+8=16)

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Ouch, climb and grapple both tanked. I blame the oil from the bugbear fur.

[Duniagdra]

“Looks like there could be some Elderwood Moss growing over there...” Ryiad points to the location.

“Though i think it would be wise to scout around a bit first. Does anyone fancy a trip to the top? Looks like we could climb up on these branches. probably be able to see a lot from up there.”

Illixian looks up at the tree and shakes his head “Nay, not I. Someone mayhaps more nimble than I would best be suited for that kind of a task”

“Me neither.” Drini says shaking his head. “I'm not too bad at climbing, but I don't trust my chances of staying up on those branches for too long.”

Locutus looks at the massive tree with awe. “Ryker, look at it's beauty. What a majestic structure.” Turning to the others then to the environment, he first surveys with region about the tree, scanning for dangers (rolling a 11) “How does a tree survive so long without protections?” he asks of no one in particular. THINKING: Too many branches, too many hiding places.Not feeling too confident in his ability to spot any hidden dangers, Locutus commands Ryker to scout the area.

Ryker snaps to and begins sniffing the air and running in patterns around the party. He starts in a 15' circle then fans out to 30'. His nose moves from ground to air, sniffing and sampling the air. The others are amazed at how efficient Ryker is. “How well does he flush birds?” Collin asks. “The best part is, he only flushes if I want him to. Otherwise, he stands on-point.” Locutus nods and continues to watch the wolf's work. “It sure makes hunting easier.”

Then speaking to all:
“Brothers, stand by just a moment while Ryker scouts. As soon as we determine that it is safe, I'd like to check this tree for natural defenses. Perhaps there are entities or forces protecting this tree, else it would have fallen long ago. Let us not upset the balance of nature with our haste.”

Assuming Ryker has not found any living things (other than us), I will do a survival check to spot any toxins or dangers on the branches and moss, including weak branches or symbiotic lifeforms whcih may harm us. (I rolled an 11).

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    I have a +3 Climb Check.

Spoiler: show

Perception near tree. (1d20 5=14)Oops, it should be only a +2; +5 is Rykers. I got a 11
Handle Ryker (DC15); Ryker's Perception. (1d20+13=30, 1d20+5=18).
Survival check on dangers in tree. (1d20+9=11)
Ryker has Scent ability:
Copy of the SRD:

Scent

This extraordinary ability lets a creature detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell.

A creature with the scent ability can detect opponents by sense of smell, generally within 30 feet. If the opponent is upwind, the range is 60 feet. If it is downwind, the range is 15 feet. Strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, can be detected at twice the ranges noted above. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk or troglodyte stench, can be detected at three times these ranges.

Collin scans the area for danger also. “THAT is a massive tree. Think that lumberjack can get through this thing in twenty swings?” Changing subjects, Collin thinks back to one of his favorite escape routes when he was being bullied, over buildings. “I can climb up the tree. I had to climb back home all of the time to escape the gangs.”

Climb then Perception. Climb followed by Perception (1d20+6=9, 1d20+8=16)

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Ouch, climb and grapple both tanked. I blame the oil from the bugbear fur.

It becomes clear that Ryker has picked up the sent for something, but he seems to be having trouble locking in on it's source. Something has apparently marked it's territory here and is causing Ryker to really work at finding the subject of his hunt.As Ryker is narrowing in on the source, Locutus begins climbing one of the "rooted" limbs, but it seems he judged wrong causing his foot to slip. He considers trying again until...
Collin makes his own attempt at climbing a different "rooted" limb when a serpent-like reptilian pounces at him from a high limb covered in a denser clumping of foliage. It becomes clear that this clumping is not natural however. The creature rears back, readying another strike at Collin.

Combat Rounds Begin; Round 1
Initiative:

1. Colin
2. Ryaid
3. Reptilian
4. Drini
5. Locutus
6. Delastian
7. Illixian