Curing Eldergrove

Mar 3, 2024 4:37 pm

Treeheart

As Vaun moves to bow he feels a force stopping him before his knees can touch the ground. There are no other entrances to this room. As the tree of you stare on you feel the presence "focus" on you and a tumult of emotions and experience wash over you. Joy at companionship. Fear of loss. Uncertainty and hesitation with a lack of trust but not quite distrust. Images of the past, a budding seed, a caring mother that is recognized as the singing lady from earlier visions, growing slowly, people, art, commerce, the forest, the calamity, and the desolate city.

As you are overwhelmed by these feelings and visions the phantom lady sighs and passes you to bow. Something seems to exchange between the lady and Treeheart before the lady turns to you with a small sad smile and waves as if in farewell. The phantom then falls back while the Treeheat glows brightly. As soon as the phantom fades from view as it merges with the tree you hear a voices speaking in unison in your minds.

This will not last as there no body to form the link between the Warden and Treeheart. But while it does last it grants us the understanding to function on a level more similar to your own. This form of communion was designed by mother to allow the Treeheart to work with the council in times of need. But when the greatest need arose we failed. The Treeheart was too afraid and those council members willing to commune with it would not submit to the union and instead sought to use the Treeheart as a tool. The result was destruction. Not only of the enemy but also those we sought to protect.

We have started to fix thing but the Treeheart will need guidance. We know this. We thank you for helping those you found along the way get the release they sought and deserved. We ask of you one last boon. You have proven your good intentions but also a firm determination. If you leave, please send someone to help the Treeheart. It will remain a danger to all who enter its domain. It needs more time to mature and understand the world. Though the horrors of the cataclysm that befell the city cause us great sorrow it also showed the Treeheart much and it has learned a bit of what it means and how to to care for other.

Before the communion fades is there anything we can do for you?

As the voices ring in your minds you feel sorrow and regret as well as a determination to press on. However fear, loneliness, and uncertainty continue to wear away at the heart of it all.

Mar 3, 2024 4:57 pm

Vaun is suddenly overwhelmed by so many emotions, but he takes a deep breath and sits on the floor with his feet crisscrossing in a meditative position. During his time in the Academy he saw that many people could attain a unison of body and mind while meditating. In front of the Treeheart, who is trying to understand what is going on, he must be a vessel that shows that he is different and that he is composed. He rested his hands on his lap and started to bring the picture of the cycle of life in his mind in order to convey the thoughts to the Treeheart. He showed that a seed, when nurtured, will grow up to be a tree and then plant it's own seed as it dries out and dies. The propagation of life and death. He showed a mental image of the Eldergrove that was overrun by vegetation, but that vegetation receded and people came to build new shops and buildings, who in turn planted more trees and worshipped the Treeheart. He showed the Treeheart vague people who stayed by it and nurtured it. He brought out a feeling of guardianship in the Treeheart as the newly arrived citizen came and depended on the Treeheart as they took care of it in turn. It was like the leaves of a tree. A tree is nothing without it's leaves, which give it sustenance, and a leaf is nothing without the tree that grows it and exposes it to the light in a vibrant canopy. In the end, everyone depended on Treeheart as much as Treeheart depended on every citizen of Eldergrove who are ultimately the lifeblood of the city.

OOC: Spending a token to reroll the Calming the mind.

Last edited March 3, 2024 4:58 pm

Rolls

Calming the mind - (2d6)

(32) = 5

Communicating with Treeheart - (2d6)

(15) = 6

Calming the mind reroll - (2d6)

(61) = 7

Mar 3, 2024 5:46 pm

Barley offers a silent thank you to the tree as the visions fade. "Safe passage to our destination would be all I ask.", He says.

Rhidon Axehorn

Mar 4, 2024 1:37 am

Rhidon reflects on the images, and thinks for a moment trying to choose his words carefully for his question. "You say send someone to help, but these are magics that are not as common where we hail from. What domain of study would know best what can be done?"

Treeheart

Mar 4, 2024 2:58 am

Vaun feels as if his intention is vaguely understood and accepted. The tree is curious but still afraid.

Treeheart

We are calming the cities defenses and will start the process of restoration but will only be able to do so much. We can help send you on your way if that is what you truly wish.

As for the help we need. They need not be versed in any magics. What is needed by the Treeheart is someone with experience, patience, and the ability to help teach and guide. The Treeheart learned that some of the most learned were the most foolish or egotistical. Not that learning is bad but it is also not key. The committee was to fulfill this roll but it became too political and distant from the common people. The Treeheart wishes the city to thrive once more but is not sure about being the focus of the city as it was before. It seeks simly to not be alone and to help those that live near it. What it need is people who can help it understand what people need vs what they want and what they should strive for on their own. The previous council failed in this.

Mar 6, 2024 3:26 pm

Vaun continued to listen to Treeheart and then said, "We will look for a person like that and we assure you that this time we will do better."

He had to discuss this back at the camp with all the other members of the expedition. The person they want to send must be chosen carefully or it will be back to what the previous council did.

Mar 6, 2024 6:53 pm

"Yes. We shall. Thank you for your hospitality.", Barley says to the treeheart.

Rhidon Axehorn

Mar 7, 2024 1:38 am

Rhidon looks at the ground solemnly, and reflects on his travels. It was always been his goal to help those in need, ensure people are treated fairly, and at this moment he feels the opportunity pulling at his heart.

"Barley, Vaun... " he looks them both in the eyes, "Would you trust me with such a responsibility? To help the city thrive, ensure things are built back properly, with equality and fairness in mind. If so... I would be honored to take this on."

Treeheart

Mar 7, 2024 4:42 am

Treeheart

As Rhidon says this the tree shivvers and quakes before a single timid voice is heard. You . . . You won't leave me? You will stay? A thread of hope and longing easily heard in the Treehearts voice. But what about your family and friends. Won't you miss them? This time a mix of fear and concern clash. Maybe when more people come live here again you can bring some back here or you can go visit if you like. Please stay. Will you . . . . and the voice fades from the air

The to voices again resonate in all your minds. When you return where you came from we ask you seek out any druid circles and pass word to them of the Treeheart. A single druid or even full circle may be a good start and the mother of the Treeheart was an Arch-Druid herself.
Also we wish for people to return here. Any willing to live in harmony with nature may come and live here. The city was great once and can be so again with people that are willing to work to make it so. Please speak with those that sent you here to see if they would be willing to open the passage to Eldergrove to those who wish to visit and live here.

Mar 7, 2024 11:44 am

"Rhidon, As I have trusted you with my life I trust you with this. We are well met.", Barley says overwhelmed with emotion.

He composes himself and then says to the treeheart, "We will seek out druids for you and spread the word of your city to those who wish to live in nature. This I promise."

Treeheart

Mar 7, 2024 1:43 pm

Treeheart

A sigh resounds in your minds We thank you. Our time grows short and it will take time and experience for others to learn to fully commune with the Treehearts. Is there anything else you wish form us before you go?

Rhidon Axehorn

Mar 8, 2024 3:45 am

Feeling the tree's curiosity, Rhidon takes a step forward and addresses it directly. "I had a recent reconnection with wildlife, and have great respect and admiration for nature's intricate ways. My friends are loyal, but strong and will be fine without me. My family is distant and I feel little connection to them these days. I will stay, if you will have me."

Attempting to speak telepathically to Barley and Vaun, he thinks It has been a good journey friends, but I feel I'm meant to do this. I will do what I can to hold things over until you are able to locate some druids to assist, tell others of the fate that has befallen here so that others do not repeat similar mistakes.

Rhidon does a deep bow as a gesture of respect and appreciation for his friends, and attempts to slowly and calmly walk towards the tree.

Mar 8, 2024 5:59 am

Vaun looked at Rhidon and said, "Master Axehorn. You want to choose this? I can't think of any better person than you when you place your protection and guidance with Treeheart."

He bowed to Rhidon and said, "If this is what you want, then I feel sad that we have to part ways, but I will promise that we will find the right temperament of Druids to help and aid you in this endeavour."

He hesitated but then embraced Rhidon with a hug, "It was nice knowing such a confident and capable adventurer, and it was an honour meeting you. I will miss you."

Last edited March 8, 2024 5:59 am

Mar 8, 2024 1:39 pm

"Good Journey, Rhidon. We will miss you as well.", Barley thinks with a smile and clasps him on the shoulder.

Malachi appears and twines himself around Rhidon's feet.

Barley clears his throat and with emotion adresses the treeheart, "I need no more, good heart."

OOC:

@CurtFactor It was really fun playing the game with you. Prehaps we'll meet in another game one day!

Mar 8, 2024 4:30 pm

OOC:

OK wrapping it up this weekend. Let me know if there is anything you want to do before heading back to base.

I will tally the experience. Vaun was a veteran a while ago but had try to add his trait. Both he and Barley have the XP for another trait or proficiency. You can go ahead and start deciding what to add

I will get the Manor folk to the base as well pretty soon and there in a novice inbound as well. We can shuffle things up a bit and set up those who are heading to Scrol's game.

Mar 8, 2024 4:36 pm

Ooc: @CurtFactor Hey man, it was nice playing with you. Hope we play another game together in the future.

Mar 9, 2024 1:01 am

OOC:

So the Eldergrove arc awarded +12 XP

The Treeheart produces a small bud on a loop of vinethat Rhidon can wear to help the bridge the communication gap between him and the Treeheart over time. Before the phantoms presence completely fades they convey that all the infested will be gathered to let you all help determine which of them can be saved.

Returning to the Matrix Node where the Treeheart is gathering all the infested you begin the process of helping the Treeheart release those it took into its misguided care. Although much of the task is heartbreaking the peace and joy on each person's face as they are freed before dying makes it worth it. Fortunately that was not the outcome for all. Tens of the previous residents, most young of various races, are able to survive the process. Though confused and frightened they recognize Rhidons amulet as a symbol that only a warden of the Treeheart can bear so he is able to calm them down and guide them to the Node room in preparation for returning with you to the expedition base.

As you finish you note that a section of vines begins bulging then blooms into 4 lovely flowers. As the flowers bloom Rhidon is informed that the Treeheart wishes for each of you to receive a gift. All that is needed if for you to stoke the flowers pollen laden center and express the form you wish the gift to take. Though the connection is still tentative Rhidon is able to determine the gifts can be any object at all but each will carry a trace of the Treehears power of life and be a living item with mystic power that you will be able to cultivate to suit your needs.

You each do so and receive your gift that turns out to be a seed pod that will bloom in 1 day. With the work done and now accompanied by the survivors of Eldergrove you stepping onto the Node platform. Saying your farewells you say your final farewells as it activates and takes you away from this fallen city that still has a seed of hope for the future. Both in Rhidon and his care of the Treeheart and the refugees you take away, who you feel may one day return to help remake the city what it once was.

END of the Curing Eldergrove Arc

OOC:

Let me know what shape you wish the gift to take and I will let you know its functions.
I will post a link back to the Base thread monday.

Mar 9, 2024 1:18 am

OOC:

@Psybermagi,@microtheMacroBear,@Stalker05 Thanks a lot! It's been a fun ride and I'm sure I'll see you all around in one form or another.

Mar 9, 2024 1:21 am

Good gaming @CurtFactor Be excellent to each other, and Game On Dude!

Mar 9, 2024 1:23 pm