Chapter 19, Interlude 13 - Hanging out in Crying Leaf

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setanta14
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Chapter 19, Interlude 13 - Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by setanta14 »

Ok, I just wanted to make a thread to get npc's names straight, etc.

XXXX, the resentful scouting party leader

YYYY, the leader of Crying Leaf whom we gave the drow journals to

What is the layout of buildings of Crying Leaf again?
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NukeHavoc
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Re: Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by NukeHavoc »

Crying Leaf
* Population 780
* Type isolated (elf 98%, half-elf 2%)

Crying Leaf's layout defys simple human logic, as it is built in accordance with the whims of nature and the alien preferences of a race that never sleeps. There are no bedrooms (heck, there are no beds) -- justreed mats that are rolled out whenever a elf needs to meditate and refocus. In addition it is a military camp, so there are no civilian shops; rather there is an armory, alchemy depot, healing station, fletcher and other militaristic locations. Many of these buildings show signs of combat damage.

Crying Leaf, from without and within, is a community on the edge of conflict. Just 1 day to the west lie the ruins of Celwynvian, the site of a near constant skirmish with the drow.

Although the drow have long known of Crying Leaf’s location, the distance from the drow holdings in Celwynvian has traditionally kept the village safe, but recent attacks on Crying Leaf in the form of conjured demons and swift- moving drow skirmishers have brought the war uncomfortably close to home, as evidenced by the tense nature of Crying Leaf’s inhabitants and the aforementioned damage to some of the buildings.

This community has little contact with the outside world. While the occasional merchant caravan travels to Riddleport for supplies, the community is primarily provisioned and reinforced directly from Kyonin, the elven nation far to the east, through the use of teleport and similar magic. While many of the elves are interested in the arrival of outlanders since they have seen so few of them in the past couple of years, others are skeptical, believing that they are not needed to solve what is seen as an “elven problem.”

NPCs

* Eviana, the leader of Crying Leaf.
* Kaerishiel Neirenar, the resentful scouting party leader, leader of
local chapter of the Shin’Rakorath (Kwava's adventuring guild)
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Forgive me. I'll try and be a tad more quiet as I desperately struggle to break free -- and save all creation!" -- Doctor Strange
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NukeHavoc
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Re: Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by NukeHavoc »

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Forgive me. I'll try and be a tad more quiet as I desperately struggle to break free -- and save all creation!" -- Doctor Strange
setanta14
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Re: Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by setanta14 »

Ok, are there any obvious shrines to gods we recognize or a hospital area where our clerics may assist with any wounded from recent battles?
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NukeHavoc
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Re: Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by NukeHavoc »

setanta14 wrote:Ok, are there any obvious shrines to gods we recognize or a hospital area where our clerics may assist with any wounded from recent battles?
There is a triage and medical area where the wounded are taken after battles. There are a small number of elven clerics who are working on the wounded using a combination of spells and conventional medical aid.

There are no shrines to gods you recognize, but there are a two to ones you don't. These are not temples; rather they are informal altars where small offerings are made and prayers are given.

* A stone altar has a number of expertly crafted elven arrows laid upon it, as well as an assortment of herbs, furs, berries, and nuts.

* Another is crafted from a living tree with faint, white bark. has no offerings saved for all manner of arcane glyphs that have been written onto the tree with what appear to be written with a charcoal pencil.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Forgive me. I'll try and be a tad more quiet as I desperately struggle to break free -- and save all creation!" -- Doctor Strange
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Jonkga
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Re: Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by Jonkga »

OOC:
Ken, as I wasn't there, I have a few clarifying questions: what is the timeline like for being in Crying Leaf? I know we were met coldly by the guide who brought us in, but it seemed that the leader warmed up once we gave her the journals? What sort of lodging (if any) were we given and/or what sort of instructions were we given about intetracting with the elves stationed at Crying Leaf?

IF this is applicable, if we have an afternoon, or some sort of time prior to heading off into the ruined city, Jheru would like to set up his tea service, brew some of the chrysanthemum and jasmine tea he still has from his homeland, and some of the tulsi and roobios tea he traded for from the South while he was in Riddleport, and invite any and all of the local elves to join him for welcoming conversation and tea. His goal is one of curiosity and sharing - he'd like to get to know some of the elves, he'd like them to have a chance to get to know him. If conversation gets to the drow/elven problem, he will share stories about how it has impacted Riddleport, and the islands, and talk about the unnatural threats such as the demonic octopus, etc. to show how it impacts lives beyond the elves, but he will of course be very diplomatic, and not press the issue if the elves don't broach it themselves. He will also share what he knows of the drow he met up close (during combat), but again only if asked by the elves.

Jheru will also make sure that the horses we acquired are properly cared for and shown every comfort, as is due such a worthy animal, hoping to show the elves that not all humans mistreat natural creatures, just in case that would help their opinions of the party (and, because as the son of a nomad tribal leader, it is the right thing to do to the creatures your people often relied upon for their survival).
"Here are your waters and your watering place.
Drink and be whole again beyond confusion."
-- "Directive" by Robert Frost
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NukeHavoc
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Re: Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by NukeHavoc »

Ken, as I wasn't there, I have a few clarifying questions: what is the timeline like for being in Crying Leaf? I know we were met coldly by the guide who brought us in, but it seemed that the leader warmed up once we gave her the journals? What sort of lodging (if any) were we given and/or what sort of instructions were we given about intetracting with the elves stationed at Crying Leaf?
[DELETED]

Forget my initial response. I just re-read the adventure notes and realized you're slightly further along than where I thought you were. I'll post a revised version later tonight.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Forgive me. I'll try and be a tad more quiet as I desperately struggle to break free -- and save all creation!" -- Doctor Strange
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Re: Chapter 19, Interlude 13 - Hanging out in Crying Leaf

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You were summoned here by Eviana, the leader of Crying Leaf, via an animal messenger sent to Kwava. She was keen to learn about the drow notebooks you secured on Devil's Elbow in the drow lair. You learned that the elves have been fighting a sustained war against the drow in Celwynvian, and recently the skirmishes have been growing more and more brutal. On several occasions the elves thought they had their dark cousins defeated, but then they would retreat into a demiplane they called the "Armageddon Echo" where they would rest, recover and then surge back into the elven city, often with demonic allies.

Since your arrival the elves in the town have been cold and distant. Aside from Eviana, the elves here are seem to think that this is an elven problem that should be handled by elves. The idea of bringing in outsiders, particularly non-elven outsiders, is distasteful. This faction is personified by Kaerishiel Neirenar and his men, who look on you with outright disdain. Others simply avoid talking with you.

In terms of the timeline, it is early evening. You’ve just after finishing your initial war council with Eviana. During that meeting Eviana had said “We have come to a decision. We are going to war. The information you have provided us has convinced me that we might be able to drive the drow out of our city entirely. Further, I have decided that you might play a useful role in this effort. Our numbers are few and the drow are entrenched. Since you already have experience dealing with the drow, your assistance would be quite valuable. What say you? Will you help us?”

Naturally the heroes said yes. She thanked you sincerely, then asked that you return to your quarters to rest and prepare for the coming journey to Celwynvian. “My people have been badly wounded and battered during our recent fights with the drow and their demonic servants. My will take us several days to recover, but I expect we will leave in less than a week. Until then you are our guests; if you have wounds of your own please visit the medical lodge so they can be treated. You may make use of our facilities as needed, including the smithy. Naturally you may keep your horses in our stables; the density of the deep forest precludes you taking them with us on our journey, but they will be well cared for here.”

After the meeting you were escorted back to your lodge by the ever-belligerent Kaerishiel Neirenar, who scowled ““I suppose you are quite proud of your accomplishments. I have been urging Eviana to all-out war with the dark elves for months, but you have managed to push her to action almost by accident!” With that her stormed off.

The next day finds the human barbarian Cutheric working at the forge, banging away on a new weapon while the elven smiths look on in chagrin. The noisy, smelly, sweaty warrior clearly insults almost all of their sensibilities (and senses).

Jheru: You can attempt your Tea Ceremony, but the elves (save Eviana, who is otherwise occupied) are Unfriendly toward you. Make a Diplomacy check.

OOC: You will have six days in Crying Leaf before you leave for Celwynvian/b]. The equipment you need to brew potions, craft items, etc. can be found here, but you still must pay the material cost.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Forgive me. I'll try and be a tad more quiet as I desperately struggle to break free -- and save all creation!" -- Doctor Strange
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erilar
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Re: Chapter 19, Interlude 13 - Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by erilar »

Phil will attempt to speak with a few elves, inquiring who among them are the most skilled arcane casters. He would like to speak with them regarding cypher runes, old Thassilonian magics, etc. and both share what he's learned as well as trying to glean any secrets the elves may have discovered about the drow's eldritch machinations.
"This enemy you cannot kill. You can only drive it back damaged into the depths, and teach your children to watch the waves for its return." - Quellcrist Falconer
setanta14
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Re: Chapter 19, Interlude 13 - Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by setanta14 »

I suppose going to the triage area to see if Carlila can help out, and to get an idea of what kinds of wounds to prepare for would be what we're up to. Also, if there are any remains of the fallen enemy (especially demons), Skender will inspect them to try and see if they are similar to what we've fought already. If none remain, then he'll settle for inspecting the damage to Crying Leaf and try to engage any of the elves in conversation about the drow, demons, what we have emcountered, etc. to find some common ground.
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Jonkga
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Re: Chapter 19, Interlude 13 - Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by Jonkga »

Jheru will set out his tea and welcome any and all elves interested to join him (as discribed above - always trying to be deferential). In fact, he will do this each and every day for the 6 days we are in town.

Here are his 6 diplomacy checks:
Day 1 - 18 +8=26
Day 2 - 7 +8=15
Day 3 - 11 +8=19
Day 4 - 15 +8=23
Day 5 - 8 +8=16
Day 6 - 16 +8=24

So, here is the info on moving the Unfriendly elves either closer to us or further from us:
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/diplomacy

It seems some days Jheru is successful, and others not so much. All depending, of course, upon if different elves come each day or the same ones return. Some elves may become more hostile, but most will probably become better allies.

Remember, if the elves bring it up, Jheru will be very forthcoming about helping the elves with any intel he has on the drow, if that helps sway them at all, as well.
"Here are your waters and your watering place.
Drink and be whole again beyond confusion."
-- "Directive" by Robert Frost
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Jonkga
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Re: Chapter 19, Interlude 13 - Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by Jonkga »

Jheru will also try to have a word with the members of our party away from the ears of elves as early in our stay as possible. He will stress that we are being evaluated for each and every action and interaction, and stress the need for us to be diplomatic while we are here. Jheru will also ask the team to put aside their differences (Skender, Cutheric, etc.) and try to present a untied team front, as the well-oiled machine of the elven fighting units will probably respond better if we look like a cohesive, controlled unit and not a roving band of chaos. We are ambassadors here, not of the larger world (well, that), but more importantly for our own goals. While we may be proud individuals, it might behoove us to try our best not to make waves until relations are better with the locals.
"Here are your waters and your watering place.
Drink and be whole again beyond confusion."
-- "Directive" by Robert Frost
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Jonkga
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Re: Chapter 19, Interlude 13 - Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by Jonkga »

Also, in addition to, as normal, doing his daily workout of going through the forms to hone his physical perfection, Jheru will reccommend the team do some martial practices, focusing on flanking and team-support melee tactics and ranged support of skirmishers, so that the locals see us as an effective fighting unit, maybe not to the extent that they are, but at least worthy of a grudging respect.

Hopefully his teammates will concur, as Jheru feels that working against the local elven forces will make the pursuit of the drow nigh impossible.
"Here are your waters and your watering place.
Drink and be whole again beyond confusion."
-- "Directive" by Robert Frost
setanta14
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Re: Chapter 19, Interlude 13 - Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by setanta14 »

As long as Cutheric avoids becoming a demonic charm-monkey [again], we'll be fine.
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Jonkga
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Re: Chapter 19, Interlude 13 - Hanging out in Crying Leaf

Post by Jonkga »

Jheru will also talk to our clerics and mages about sharing anything we've already learned may be effective versus the cave elves - anything that might expose sneaky-types, anything that might slow or hinder dextrous-types, anything that might identify or hinder summoned creatures or deamons or the like, etc. Anything we can to help.

And of course Jheru will caution them to present such things diplomatically, focusing on supplementing their knowledge and reinforcing what they already undoubtably know, not trying to signify that the elves don't know the drow better than we do, etc.
"Here are your waters and your watering place.
Drink and be whole again beyond confusion."
-- "Directive" by Robert Frost
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