Mission Two: The Forest

[Kironome]

What has happened so far....

Your team was handpicked to help out "The Director" and obtain a lost data core at one of his various facilities. He explained that this mission would be a trial period to see if it was worthwhile to keep you around for harder jobs. Upon arrive at the facility you note that it was bombed, in theory by Sith. While most of the structure is in disarray, some droids remained operational and Balmorran metal parasites moved in. Fighting your way into the bowels of the facility you found Sollux Val chained up in on of the sleeping quarters. He isn't sure how long he's been there, but it had been a while. His memory is conveniently lost. He was found wearing the remains of a Republic uniform, but as you soon discovered wielded the Force in unusual ways and is able to utilize a lightsaber.

Further in you found a burrowed tunnel leading away from the facility filled with a putrid pungent smell. This place was clearly tainted with the dark side, and you slew a larvae form of a leviathan while taking an ancient crystal from within a pocket of dark side energy. Dax was nearly consumed by concentrated dark side energies both from exposure to the sphere and the deadly attack of the larvae. Using the crystal you were able to open the secondary exit on the bottom floor.

The primary and secondary data cores (the ones you were tasked with recovering) were corrupted. Upon revealing the secondary exit you noted a cloaked figure climb aboard a small starship, but you were distracted by an ancient Leviathan. While his growth must've been stunted, he was formidable foe none the less. But, you triumphed and escaped the facility.

Upon your arrival back at the ship, "The Director" had left a recorded holo message. He told you that he had recovered the data core and that they were decoding it. In the mean time he gave you the coordinates of a recently discovered crystal cave on Vortex. You spent some time socializing on the three day long journey, drinking, resting, and meditating before arriving at Vortex.

The descent went smooth enough (Dax has been nothing but an excellent pilot), but even she couldn't predict that the forest itself would grasp your ship and drive you into the ground. On your way down you noted several other crashed ships. Clearly you were not the first. Following a scared girl, you wound your way through the forest away from the ship's wreckage. The forest itself feels evil and many noises make you feel uneasy, but you soon happen upon a primitive looking village. Most of the buildings are set up around in a circle all facing in. The housing was made of random wood and cannibalized ship metal. Most of the villagers had boarded up their homes and one particular family eyed you warily before slamming their door shut.

The party decided to go to what seemed to be the local bar and inn. Most of the patrons moved to the back as you arrived, but you were able to have a brief conversation with the barkeep. He seemed scared, and spoke of the Woman of the Forest, referring to her only as "She" and "Her". He spoke of her coming each time a metal bird was brought down by the forest to take the new comers away, but also any villagers she felt she needed at the time. In particular she seemed to take children and little girls. He urged you to leave so as to not incur any further wrath, urging you not to go into the Forest for those who do tend to not come out....


OOC: So, after every table session I'll try to sum up what happened when we transition back to the online format. Feel free on your first post to mention anything you found important that I did not from your character's perspective. That way we'll be sure to catch all the important details (not only the ones I felt were the most important) and anyone who wasn't able to attend will be sure to get a full account.

For the next few pages I'll be describing the areas for you as you move along them rather than have a map. You may encounter combat, and if I feel the area is complex enough, I'll be sure to post a map for you. Eventually we'll move on to a point in this mission where I feel a map is definitely needed, and I'll make sure to post it at that time. Feel free to ask for clarification and anything you need. Welcome back!


You each stand outside the bar. The wind tugs gently at your clothes, but whistles menacingly through the trees. The fresh air is nice and definitely preferable to the burning hulk that is now your ship. To your right is the path in which you came and to your left lies the way into the forest. This is the path that the barkeep warned against, fearing you'd never return, not that he seemed too concerned about your well being so much as what your coming has heralded for the village. Everyone here seems primitive and afraid of anything new. Although, not all curiosity has been beaten out of them. Little eyes peer out from cracks in the windows and buildings, trying to get a better look at each of you. Sunlight easily shines through this large central clearing, but the path to the left appears to darken dramatically, and the trees grow closer together...

OOC: So in this case, posting will be a little bit different. You will not need to post an exact location so much as "So and so decided to start walking toward the such and such path etc etc....I'll update as needed and minimally once every 4-5 posts. As before you may post in any order. And, please welcome our new player Sollux!

Additionally, it would be good if everyone could give another brief description of their characters at the beginning of the post, just to reaffirm we know who we all are.

example being: Kironome stood outside the bar, inhaling deeply. His chest is covered with a green tunic, but over that is the traditional gray-brown robes of a Jedi. His lighstsaber hangs loose by his hip, mirroring how easily he smiles. One of his characteristic grins creeps across his fair face as he shifts his straight brown hair out of his eyes. "Well, we might as well look into things further. Doubtful any of these people will be of help." he urged, his normally soft voice louder in the silence of the clearing.

Just something simple like that. As much as I need to remember to be descriptive for you guys, its always good for you to be descriptive too.

[Ku Tan]

Ku faced the incoming wind, worried about the forest, nothing like what I can remember from my homeworld...
Ku stretched tall and then rubbed the back of his, remembering how he got the wound. 

"Well, good thing we haven't actually run into any Sith so far," he said while glancing at Sollux, still undetermined in his alignment, "I think we should head in, I feel as if the villagers might fight us if we stay here, and the ship is wrecked so we need to find something anyway. I know it sounds weird but I think that this mystical entity must be linked to the crystals. I still can't believe that the Director was just putting us in a test, I don't like being tested." 

I hope we don't encounter any more of that awful dark side aura, if it can infect Dax and only be stopped by purging, could easily take over the party... Ku looked over at Dax, hoping that it was all officially gone, she looked quite healthy.

Ku gathered his strength, glad that he was able to rest on the ship, the first mission has been a lot of a failure for Ku, in everything but combat, and that isn't all that Jedi are good at.

[Alyaza]

Goose bumps rose on Alyaza's pale blue arms as the wind blew through her jedi cloak. This forest makes me uneasy. There is bad energy flowing from it. Her right hand reflexively gripped at the handle to her lightsaber.  She looked over at Sollux warily. She wondered what had caused him to loose his memory and his force capabilities worried her. It was almost unnatural. The events from their false mission seemed like a dream to her, the memories were a bit hazy. Must be the dark side aura that has made my recollection so hazy. Almost like I was never there and that it was just a dream. 

Alyaza dug her nails into her forearm through the bandages that she always wrapped around them. They hid the scars that she had acquired from her years making weapons and then all of her hard and trying training.  The pain calmed her nerves and cleared her mind. 


"I have always thought there was something off about the Director. This 'test' of his could have killed us. And now he sends us to a forest where none have ever returned. He is doing a horrible job at gaining my trust."

Alyaza hated to see her comrades hurt almost to death. It angered her that the Directors "test" had almost killed Dax and had severely hurt her other comrades. If something terrible were to happen to any of them she would have to add another name to her list of those who do not deserve life. 

[Dennurek]

The wind tousled Dennurek's hood on his shoulders and the bit of hair across his head. He stood with legs shoulder-width apart, in a good stance for balance, since his had felt somewhat off after his first day of heavy drinking on the ship. Whatever Dax made me to drink, sure did the job I wanted it to. Nice to try and forget all the rash decisions the party had made rushing into rooms in the previous mission. I feel rested but going to keep my feet under me.

Dennurek felt somewhat uneasy knowing more about the rest of the party. Ku with his uncanny ability to fight well but everything else failing at the inopportune moment. Dax with her charm, way of thinking outside of the box, and getting rid of that cancer on her own. How did she do that? Alyaza consistent and dependent, but not knowing much about her in general. And then there was Sollux Val - it troubled Dennurek that they had jumped so quickly to have him with them and his unknown past.

I've been paid, and didn't end up dead - and I'm liking this job so far. Wouldn't hurt to see further what this Director has in store since we've passed his first test.

"We've disturbed these villagers greatly, so I agree. There seems to be nothing for us except a wrecked ship behind us and one path ahead of us - to the crystals or this Woman. We also need to keep in mind a way to leave, since we have no ship. That first mission was a test for something greater perhaps..."

[Sollux Val]

Sollux faced the wind after exiting the tavern and felt... uneasy. The wind pushes on me, and while part of me knows it should make me cold, my first instincts are to embrace it... to somehow bring the cold into myself and become stronger...
The gentle wind quietly ran through his long white hair, pulled at the blue wrapping around his eye sockets, and ruffled the remains of his Republic uniform that he hadn't managed to replace yet. He looked at the robes worn by his Jedi companions, and couldn't help but feel simultaneously enraged by what they stood for and jealous for how they seemed to be comfortable and flowing. 
After shaking off his anger, Sollux glanced at each of his new companions. They seem trustworthy enough, but why can I not shake the feeling that they were foolish for trusting me so quickly? Perhaps they WERE a bit too quick to accept me, but is an innocent mind really so deplorable? And then there's this "Director" they're working for... it seems obvious to me that he is lying to them, or at least keeping them in the dark about much, but they are so slow to distrust him, and cling to his assurances that their mission to the facility was a "test", even though his other agent was clearly there to ensure we never got the chance to get a look at the data they were supposedly sent to collect...

"This 'Woman' is clearly somebody we're going to have to deal with, preferably sooner rather than later. The idea of her hunting us down while we're gathering Crystals is not a particularly pleasant one."

[Ku Tan]

"Well, shall we head off to find our doom? This rumored cave could even help us fight her. After you Alyaza, you seemed to have gotten sturdier with our last encounter." 

Ku stood waiting for the rest of the group to head into the forest, thinking about the uncharacteristic silence of Dax.

[Alyaza]

She did feel stronger and that gave her a sense of accomplishment. Alyaza felt one step closer to achieving her ultimate goal.

"Right lets go then. No point waiting around here talking."

The path was an old one that had seen much use. As she began walking the trees began to close around her and the wind died as the trees protected her from its grip.  I am not a fan of taking the lead, I hope my comrades will back me up. I guess I am the strongest of the group, but what I have in strength I lack in wisdom. I can't be counted on to make decisions for this mission, only to protect my comrades. Especially since I don't trust the Director and my feelings about this mission as a whole have not changed. The quicker this mess is resolved the better I will feel. 

Alyaza took a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill her lungs. She kept going hoping the others would follow close behind. 

[Dennurek]

Dennurek followed Alyaza, glad that this time everyone had waited before Ku typically would run ahead. I'm glad for her to be going forward instead of Ku, he seemed to magnetize trouble wherever he went.

Following closely, Dennurek peered onto the path to see what could be found ahead...

Spot check = 14 + 6 = 20

[Ku Tan]

And away we go, Ku looked back at the other two members of the party, watching them walk through the forest, how exactly does Sollux know what he's doing? I've never heard of this race...they are quite interesting. And Dax can take care of herself well. 

Ku was creeped out by the forest, it was nothing like the flashes of memory he had of his birth world, too dark and quiet. He tried hard to hear if anything else was off.

Listen: 18 + 4 = 22

[Kironome]

The path narrowed as direct sunlight was blocked. Leaves rustled and fell in the gloom, but all else is eerily silent. After a seemingly endless trek, the path twisting and turning, it ended in a small circular clearing. At least, it felt like a clearing after moving through such narrow passageways, the forest constantly tugging at your clothes. The clearing is still well beneath the cover of the trees, but rather than a single file path, you could easily fit two or three people. Standing for a moment, you see three paths seamlessly appear before you, one to your left, one to your right, and one straight ahead.

[Ku Tan]

"Well...3 paths lie before us...Let's have a vote on which path. I personally think we should take rights, the right way is always the best." Ku said with determination.

Let's hope we can get a voice out of everyone, and let's hope that this forest doesn't sallow us up and make sure we never leave. The closeness of the forest was making Ku feel really uneasy, and the sooner they were out the better.

[Dennurek]

"I believe that is a good place to start as well," Dennurek responded.

Dennurek also looked in the clearing to see if there were any differences between each of the paths.

Spot check = 5 + 6 = 11

OOC: I wanted to choose another path, but I let my dice decide and it agreed with Ku instead xP

[Alyaza]

"The right path seems fine to me, although all three paths seem sinister to me. If this is what we all agree on, then let us continue in this direction." 
Alyaza was hesitant to go down any of the paths without the rest of the party there. Perhaps I should leave a sign for Dax to follow so that when she catches up she is not lost. 
She drew her knife and attempted to cut an arrow into one of the trees close to them pointing in the right direction. 

Use knife: nUk7Ew7Pp_1d20 +4=15 

OCC: I don't know if that was necessary, but I rolled any way. 1d20

[Sollux Val]

Well that's rather odd, we're leaving Dax behind and nobody seems to think this is unusual except for me. We left a sign for her and she can certianly take care of herself, but I'd rather she were with us in case we ran into a fight. Speaking of which...

See Force: kbf2E9j9p_1-20 + 7=8
OOC: Not as high as I would have liked, but oh well...
After looking ahead to see if he could spot anything connected to the force up ahead, Sollux followed behind the others1-20

[Kironome]

Dennurek: Each path appears to be nearly identical to the others. All are narrow and have branches reaching out toward the center of the path. However, the right most path appears to be a little brighter than the others

Sollux: The entire area appears darkened by some form of energy. It feels dark in nature, but that comes as no surprise. As you survey the paths it is clear that the middle and right most paths are darker and more clouded in this evil. The left most appears to be almost normal beyond the natural din the forest creates. Unfortunately, you realized this slightly after everyone (including yourself) started down the right most path. You do happen to be the only one to notice that the path back has disappeared leaving only one way to go...forward.

As everyone agrees upon a path, a slight breeze filters through the trees. The leaves of the trees, both green and a darkened purple, dance and play. It seems the forest is happy. The path narrows and widens, but is never more than two people across. The periodicity of this phenomenon almost makes it seem as if the forest is breathing. You continue walking as the forest twists and turns.....

OOC:
Alyaza: In this case you didn't need to roll that, but it never hurts to add the roll. There might be some cases where the material has some sort of resistance or something else where a roll would be required. Long story short, you were successful in carving the arrow into the tree .

To everyone: Assume each party member decides to follow along with the rest of the group and agrees with decisions in which majority rules unless otherwise stated. AKA, Dax is currently with the group, moving along the path with you. I will allow for the appropriate amount of time to make my post for anyone to speak up to state their contrary actions. This will continue to be true for most of the campaign, but is especially true for this mission. I may be pushing the limits of your level two group and to be separated (unless you specifically want to) may not be in your favor.

[Ku Tan]

"I do not like the idea that this forest may be alive....there is definitely something at work here." 

This is almost normal for such a high concentration of the force, but this seems to be filled with so much malice, makes me scared for the state of the crystals...Ku thought as they walked along, almost single file. He kept his hand on his weapon, ready for danger. 

OOC: how long are we walking? Can we see the end of this path?

[Dennurek]

Before Dennurek followed behind everyone, he saw that the right path they took was brighter than the other three, and that give him a sliver of hope that this was the correct way to go.

He continued to walk cautiously with the others, hand ready at his pistol.

OOC: Maybe Ku or Alyaza (as they are the front) could do a spot check to see what is ahead?

[Sollux Val]

Something's not right here... Sollux took a quick look around and sensed that the path they were on was dark and clouded with evil. Furthermore, a quick glance behind him showed that the way they came had disappeared, replaced by forest and sealing the way out.
"Well that's not a good sign... anybody else notice the path disappearing as we go?" 
OOC: Worse comes to worst, i'm burning the forest down

[Kironome]

OOC: Will everyone please make a spot check, a reflex check, and roll for initiative .

[Ku Tan]

OOC: Oh shit something's about to happen

My dice are totally rigged and this just proves it! THEY NEVER WANT ME TO SEE ANYTHING!


Spot: 4 + 6 = 10

Reflex: 20 + 5 = 25


Initiative : ENAKvv4Pp_1d20+31d20+3

[Dennurek]

Spot: 17 + 6 = 23

Reflex: 6 + 5 = 11

Initiative: 9 + 2 = 11

[Alyaza]

Spot: 17+0=17 

Reflex: 16+5= 21

Initiative: 4+2= 6 

[Sollux Val]

Spot: 4 +0 = 4
Reflex: 14+1=15
Initiative: 17+2=19

[Kironome]

The path grows even narrower than before. The forest darkens. Something is moving just beyond the tree line. The branches and underbrush rustle as it zips by. Then, there's movement overhead, and suddenly more movement in front of you. You strain your eyes trying to figure out what is surrounding you, but only Dennurek realizes what they are before they attack. A piercing howl is heard somewhere behind you. And then a large wolf jumps down from the branches above you, its mouth foaming, teeth bared. Another appears from behind, nipping at your heels while yet a third cuts off the path in front of you. In perfect unison they each launch an offensive. With Ku's quick reflexes, he manages to dodge one of the wolves attacks even though he was caught unaware. Dennurek, who saw the wolves in the first place managed to protect himself from his first brush with the snarling face of the jet black wolves. Alyaza and Sollux weren't so lucky. The wolves snapped at their heels and their teeth grazed their skin opening minor wounds which begin to bleed. The wolves then dart back into the underbrush. The forest moves in response to hide them.

OOC: Alyaza and Sollux both take one damage in the surprise round; I've made the adjustment for you.

Initiative order is as follows: Ku ; Sollux ; Wolves ; Dennurek ;Alyaza

Combat as per norm (Strict format), however I wont be posting the combat table for this. Feel free to RP your actions as normal, but leave the success or failures of your attempted attacks open ended i.e. "I swung downward at the wolf with my saber".

One small difference, the forest is protecting the wolves by attempting to obscure your view. At the beginning of your turn make a spot check DC 12. If you succeed you may make an attack against a wolf (you cannot pick a specific one as they'll be darting in and out and you'll be killing whichever one happens to be nearest you). If you fail, you cannot find a wolf to attack for the round and are open to more damage from attacks.

Best of luck!

[Ku Tan]

Spot: 5 + 6 = 11

Ku tried to see if he could spot any of the wolves while they were dashing through the trees but the shadows concealed them too much, but he ignited his lightsaber and went into a defensive stance.

[Sollux Val]

Spot: 7|OpBDy6p_1-20 + 0 = 12
OOC: woo! 

Sollux looked at the forest to try and find the wolves that had attacked him, and barely managed to spot one as it was running near him. In response, he struck at the wolf with his Lightsaber
I've always hated close combat, I can say that with a certainty even without my memories. These wolves don't seem to be much of a threat though, and with them running through the trees I don't have much an option...

Attack Roll: p_1-20 + 1= 18

Damage Roll: p_1-8 + p_1-8+ 0= 101-20�1-20�1-8�1-8

[Kironome]

Sollux's attack hit one of the wolves stopping it in its tracks. Howling in pain, the wolf whimpered at the wound in its chest and its dismembered leg. Growling, it tore at Sollux's leg before running back into the forest, leaving a trail of dark blood behind. Ku managed again to brush off an attack while the snapping jaws of the third wolf managed to catch Dennurek before they both rushed back into the forest.

OOC: Two damage to both Sollux and Dennurek, I've adjusted your mini profiles.

[Alyaza]

The appearance of the wolves startled Alyaza. She felt a sudden sharp pain to her ankle. Alyaza wheeled around to see a wolf snarling at her. With it's teeth bared it retreated back into the trees. The growling of the wolves came from all around them. It made her skin crawl. She drew her lightsaber trying to find a target in the dim forest. 

Spot: 0qLAy9Hip_1d20 +0=13

Alyaza focused her hearing, trying to pinpoint the origin of the growling closest to her. She caught the glint of light in the eyes of one wolf.

"I got you now, you bastard." 

Attack: p_1d20+4=13

Damage: p_1d8 +p_1d8 +4= 101d20�1d20�1d8�1d8

[Dennurek]

Spot = 10 + 6 = 16 (able to attack)

Free Action: Draw Blaster Pistol
Movement: None
Special: +1 Dodge bonus for any attacking wolves

Attack = 1 + 3 = 4

As the wolves swarmed forward Dennurek only had time to try to pull his pistol out before the wolves came forward towards them. One grabbed at his leg and tore a wound into his calf. Shit, not a good start again.

Pointing at the next wolf from the underbrush that he could see Dennurek fired his blaster pistol and immediately the power pack shorted out. Well, I'm dead meat already.

[Ku Tan]

Spot : 4 + 6 = 10

OOC: FUCKING RIGGED MAN!


Ku attempted to see the wolves that kept attacking the rest of the party but the forest was just too dark, and the glow from the lightsabers just seemed to make it all the darker.