Having no further path beyond the remains of the odd tree, the group circled back to the ruins of the earthen font. Moving south from there, Pavo found a tree had lifted a house off of its foundations, and inside he could faintly hear children talking, one panicky and the other calmer. He reported this back to the group who all decided to investigate, though with some trepidation and expectation of attack.
The group's approach brought a young girl and her brother to the elevated porch. They proclaimed that their father had been hurt and they needed help. Pavo threw a rope up to be tied off, while Ash climbed the tree. With them both in the house, it rocked wildly. Ash got the kids to the edge while Pavo picked up the father and carried him to the porch. Zacarius used his travel curse on each as they came in to view. Pavo then jumped and, with the aid of his enchanted ring, floated slowly to the ground. The house, now severely unbalanced, fell away. Ash managed to grab on to the tree as the house fell past, and Zacarius threw the injured man out of the way before the house hit, but was himself buried in the rubble. Luckily, he was not badly injured.
Moving on, the group circled back around to the lake they had initially seen when they first entered. The lake seemed normal water, but droplets were falling upwards, only to fall again as snow. The group found another dawn piper at the center who ordered his servant to be rid of them. He then used his magicks to enchant Kyezra into approaching. Pavo came forward as well, while Wortleby, a gnome hiding in the woods, introduced himself with a crossbow bolt into Zacarius' back. Ash turned to deal with this new threat, shooting him.
The dawn piper let loose with an ear-shredding series of notes from his horn, causing Kyezra and her cat to bleed. In return, Pavo stuck him. Wortleby revealed his nature as a Spriggan by growing to gigantic proportions and striking Zacarius roughly. Zacarius fled, but Ash stood his ground, readied his adamantine hammer and smote the morningstar Wortleby was using, shattering the weapon. Wortleby tried to strike Ash with the remaining butt with little success, and Ash dropped his foe just before the trio in the lake killed the dawn piper, causing the water font to close in a deluge of rain.
With one path left unexplored past the lake, the group moved on. Pavo spotted a tripwire just as Ash was about to set it off. He quickly disarmed it, but not before being noticed by the two fey that set it. They used their nature magic to heat the hated metal of Pavo's weapons, causing him to drop them. They then snuck into the midst of the group, striking to kill Zacarius and Kyezra, neither with much success. The group surrounded them and let known their displeasure.
Back at the reality rift, the group found the way clear. Beyond where the rift had been stood a large ice sculpture, and coming around the far side of the hag's hut in the middle of the clearing strode Nazhena, the winter witch whose tower the group had invaded when first they came to Irrisen. As Nazhena was sizing them up and stating her intentions, Ash shot her with an arrow.
Nazhena summoned an ice mephit to assist while her ice golem was engaged by Zacarius and his spell-produced flaming sword. Pavo and the great cat moved forward to engage the witch, while Kyezra and Ash stayed at range, unable to easily get past the ice golem and unwilling to give up pressure on the witch. The cat leapt to strike the ice mephit but did little against its otherworldly defenses. Nazhena leapt into the air and summoned a spectral hand to aid in delivering her spells, but Pavo snuck in beneath her and struck her with rays of scorching flame while she was distracted, almost killing her. Unnerved, she summoned a sleet storm for cover and fled, leaving a melting ice golem behind. When the storm's magic dissipated, so too did the magic holding the ice mephit to this plane, and the group entered the fabulous hut.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Monday, May 11, 2015
Dawn
The dawn piper laid a patch of grease before the group to hinder them, confident upon his rocky perch. Determined to undermine that confidence, Zacarius used his abilities to place Ash upon the stone stage as well. Ash hit the creature solidly, as did an arrow from Kyezra. Pavo climbed up the stage's edge and set upon the dawn piper as well.
In a panic, the dawn piper drew upon the beauty of the first world to blind those on his step, then tumbled and fled onto one of the floating boulders. Smug in his new perch, he watched the cat fail to get high enough to bother him, but wasn't attentive enough to stop Ash's leaping charge across the open space. Ash dropped to the ground beneath the rock, but the dawn piper was pushed into the woods, where the thorns tore at his body.
In one last desperate attempt, the dawn piper shrilled notes of discord harsh enough to damage those nearby at Ash and Kyezra's cat, but then expired to the vines before he could extricate himself. With his death the stones dropped, the elemental font closed.
The group moved on from the scene, heading deeper along the wooded paths in hopes of finding a route to the Crone's hut. As they scouted the next clearing, they were set upon by a pair of Perytons, their antlered heads goring for Ash and Zacarius. Though blood was shed, Zacarius managed to peg one with a tanglefoot bag while the others set upon the one diving for Ash. Both Perytons were quickly brought down.
In a small side clearing, Pavo discovered an occupied hut. As the group approached, the door flung open and an officer of the queen's Winter Guard hailed them, demanding escort to the entrance to these woods. The rest of her group had died here, leaving her with a duty to report. The group did not agree, however, and the officer lost what grip she had and shifted to wolf form to deal with these traitors. Though she got off the first strike, she didn't last long alone against the group.
Amongst the remains of the officer's companions was a welcome boon for Kyezra, a cache of cold-iron arrows in an efficient quiver. Zacarius also found several restorative potions to add to the group's resources as well.
Down at the end of the long clearing, another house peaked out of the dense forest, this one with a small bonfire in front and six people sitting around it. They were celebrating the end of the world, with wine and spirits, and any other alcohol found. The three merchants were quite drunk, while the ladies with them faired better, offering drink to the group as they approached. When refused, each turned into a furious beast, unable to settle with being scorned. The Baccae each focused on the male that had rejected them, striking hard in a rage, but without tactics. Each was brought down with arrows and strikes while the merchants blearily watched on.
Beyond the besotted merchants, a small passage in the forest led to a stunningly large beech tree whose foliage had fallen, creating a dense carpet of multicolored leaves. A light voice from the boughs of the tree bid them retreat or perish, which the group ignored. The dawn piper flying above opened combat by enchanting Ash with deviant and irresistible desire for Zacarius, then called silently for her companion twigjack to help.
While Kyezra attempted to keep the dawn piper busy with flying arrows and her cat climbed the tree to strike at her, Pavo took a potion to grant flight and took to the boughs to meet her in her own domain. Pavo managed to blind the dawn piper as Pavo overtook her and the twigjack struck at Kyezra. The dawn piper quickly went down to blows from Pavo's daggers and the cat's claws while Kyezra and Ash took care of the elusive twigjack.
With the dawn piper dead, chunks of the beech tree disintegrated back to air and the elemental font closed. The group was lucky enough to find an elemental stone present among the roots with power over an elemental of air, a useful tool for later.
In a panic, the dawn piper drew upon the beauty of the first world to blind those on his step, then tumbled and fled onto one of the floating boulders. Smug in his new perch, he watched the cat fail to get high enough to bother him, but wasn't attentive enough to stop Ash's leaping charge across the open space. Ash dropped to the ground beneath the rock, but the dawn piper was pushed into the woods, where the thorns tore at his body.
In one last desperate attempt, the dawn piper shrilled notes of discord harsh enough to damage those nearby at Ash and Kyezra's cat, but then expired to the vines before he could extricate himself. With his death the stones dropped, the elemental font closed.
The group moved on from the scene, heading deeper along the wooded paths in hopes of finding a route to the Crone's hut. As they scouted the next clearing, they were set upon by a pair of Perytons, their antlered heads goring for Ash and Zacarius. Though blood was shed, Zacarius managed to peg one with a tanglefoot bag while the others set upon the one diving for Ash. Both Perytons were quickly brought down.
In a small side clearing, Pavo discovered an occupied hut. As the group approached, the door flung open and an officer of the queen's Winter Guard hailed them, demanding escort to the entrance to these woods. The rest of her group had died here, leaving her with a duty to report. The group did not agree, however, and the officer lost what grip she had and shifted to wolf form to deal with these traitors. Though she got off the first strike, she didn't last long alone against the group.
Amongst the remains of the officer's companions was a welcome boon for Kyezra, a cache of cold-iron arrows in an efficient quiver. Zacarius also found several restorative potions to add to the group's resources as well.
Down at the end of the long clearing, another house peaked out of the dense forest, this one with a small bonfire in front and six people sitting around it. They were celebrating the end of the world, with wine and spirits, and any other alcohol found. The three merchants were quite drunk, while the ladies with them faired better, offering drink to the group as they approached. When refused, each turned into a furious beast, unable to settle with being scorned. The Baccae each focused on the male that had rejected them, striking hard in a rage, but without tactics. Each was brought down with arrows and strikes while the merchants blearily watched on.
Beyond the besotted merchants, a small passage in the forest led to a stunningly large beech tree whose foliage had fallen, creating a dense carpet of multicolored leaves. A light voice from the boughs of the tree bid them retreat or perish, which the group ignored. The dawn piper flying above opened combat by enchanting Ash with deviant and irresistible desire for Zacarius, then called silently for her companion twigjack to help.
While Kyezra attempted to keep the dawn piper busy with flying arrows and her cat climbed the tree to strike at her, Pavo took a potion to grant flight and took to the boughs to meet her in her own domain. Pavo managed to blind the dawn piper as Pavo overtook her and the twigjack struck at Kyezra. The dawn piper quickly went down to blows from Pavo's daggers and the cat's claws while Kyezra and Ash took care of the elusive twigjack.
With the dawn piper dead, chunks of the beech tree disintegrated back to air and the elemental font closed. The group was lucky enough to find an elemental stone present among the roots with power over an elemental of air, a useful tool for later.
Monday, May 4, 2015
In the Dragon's Lair
After making sure the floor was clear, the group evacuated the little girl and moved up to the next floor. Beyond the only door on the next level, they discovered Bella Belvorica. She was startled and initially fearful of the group's appearance, but quickly gave in to relief, describing the dragon Logrivich as mercurial and odd, as he insisted that she sing with her forehead touching his jaw. The group worked out that Logrivich was deaf, not surprising since he lives in a clock tower. Bella was directed to escape to Nadya and Ringierre across the street until the group was done with the dragon.
As they were deciding what course of action to follow against the dragon, the clock tower struck the hour. During the cacophony that followed, Logrivich could be heard screaming with the tolling of the bells. Pavo pulled out the spider climbing wand he had procured back in Nazhena's tower of ice and cast the spell on each person in the group. Though Kyezra's cat didn't take well to the spell, the rest of the group took advantage of it to be ready to enter the ice dragon's lair at the top of the tower.
Ash went through first and saw Logrivich about to take off, so he charged in to get the dragon to stay put. Pavo entered through the trap door from the ladder below to skulk over to a corner, ready to strike when Logrivich was vulnerable. Logrivich, though startled by Ash's attack, took off to get range and determine the nature of his attackers. Even at range, however, Kyezra's arrow followed, though she failed to strike her target. Inuksuk went out a window in the floor below, seeking to be able to strike at Logrivich without crowding into the clockworks with the rest of the group.
Logrivich flew back towards his tower and used his draconic sorcery to cause fog to engulf the top of the tower. The group took the time waiting for the dragon's next move to prepare for his approach, each using what magics they possessed to enhance their chances. Logrivich noted Ash standing just within the right limb of the clock tower wall and alighted on the edge of his ice shelf to unleash a torrent of frost and slush upon him and Kyezra. Though Ash avoided the brunt of the blast as he tucked behind the cornice, Kyezra managed to duck down and avoid it completely.
Ash struck blindly towards the dragon, managing to catch Logrivich with a solid blow to the chin. Pavo decided this was the opportunity he needed and came at the dragon's flank, driving a tendril of flame deep into the creature's heart. Logrivich scraped his claws against the ice as he died, sliding back off the edge of his ice shelf to lie on the roof of the building below.
The group fired off the signal firework and clambered down to the dragon, taking its head before leaving at Greta's urging. Nadya and Ringierre took the survivors of the clock tower back to the hidden shrine while the group headed to the marketplace to take possession of the dancing hut. At the entrance to the marketplace stood a trio of troll guards. The group decided to attempt to talk to the trolls, so Ash charged in to discuss the merits of greatswords. The trolls took exception and surrounded him, beating him rather badly before the group tore them apart.
They passed over the burning troll bodies into the forest grown around the dancing hut. Striking directly toward the center of the hut, they found their way blocked by a dark shimmering portal that warped and disintegrated all that tried to pass through it. The group was able to determine that it had something to do with the first world, but little more.
Exploring the nearest passage through the woods that wasn't blocked led them to a clearing with a large stone stage set in the center and several other stones floating in orbit. Upon the stone stood a legendary creature, a dawn piper, those beings that supposedly had created all emotions. Though he offered the travelers the opportunity to leave peacefully, the group refused...
As they were deciding what course of action to follow against the dragon, the clock tower struck the hour. During the cacophony that followed, Logrivich could be heard screaming with the tolling of the bells. Pavo pulled out the spider climbing wand he had procured back in Nazhena's tower of ice and cast the spell on each person in the group. Though Kyezra's cat didn't take well to the spell, the rest of the group took advantage of it to be ready to enter the ice dragon's lair at the top of the tower.
Ash went through first and saw Logrivich about to take off, so he charged in to get the dragon to stay put. Pavo entered through the trap door from the ladder below to skulk over to a corner, ready to strike when Logrivich was vulnerable. Logrivich, though startled by Ash's attack, took off to get range and determine the nature of his attackers. Even at range, however, Kyezra's arrow followed, though she failed to strike her target. Inuksuk went out a window in the floor below, seeking to be able to strike at Logrivich without crowding into the clockworks with the rest of the group.
Logrivich flew back towards his tower and used his draconic sorcery to cause fog to engulf the top of the tower. The group took the time waiting for the dragon's next move to prepare for his approach, each using what magics they possessed to enhance their chances. Logrivich noted Ash standing just within the right limb of the clock tower wall and alighted on the edge of his ice shelf to unleash a torrent of frost and slush upon him and Kyezra. Though Ash avoided the brunt of the blast as he tucked behind the cornice, Kyezra managed to duck down and avoid it completely.
Ash struck blindly towards the dragon, managing to catch Logrivich with a solid blow to the chin. Pavo decided this was the opportunity he needed and came at the dragon's flank, driving a tendril of flame deep into the creature's heart. Logrivich scraped his claws against the ice as he died, sliding back off the edge of his ice shelf to lie on the roof of the building below.
The group fired off the signal firework and clambered down to the dragon, taking its head before leaving at Greta's urging. Nadya and Ringierre took the survivors of the clock tower back to the hidden shrine while the group headed to the marketplace to take possession of the dancing hut. At the entrance to the marketplace stood a trio of troll guards. The group decided to attempt to talk to the trolls, so Ash charged in to discuss the merits of greatswords. The trolls took exception and surrounded him, beating him rather badly before the group tore them apart.
They passed over the burning troll bodies into the forest grown around the dancing hut. Striking directly toward the center of the hut, they found their way blocked by a dark shimmering portal that warped and disintegrated all that tried to pass through it. The group was able to determine that it had something to do with the first world, but little more.
Exploring the nearest passage through the woods that wasn't blocked led them to a clearing with a large stone stage set in the center and several other stones floating in orbit. Upon the stone stood a legendary creature, a dawn piper, those beings that supposedly had created all emotions. Though he offered the travelers the opportunity to leave peacefully, the group refused...
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