The Glass Tower
The Glass Tower
deep in the forest you find yourself staring at a beautiful glass tower the boreal above in the dusk sky sends rainbow patterns shimmering across its surface and the star light glints off the silver weather vane a top the tower and its silver seams connecting the glass panels. the interior looks comfortable and inviting, you can see bright colours of reds, golds and greens, blurred behind the glass, yet looking through the glass it seems that no one is home or at least there is no movement.
the rose wood door with intricately crafted golden leaves adorning it is slightly ajar beckoning you inside, the sweet smell of spices, cakes, and mold wine sending your senses into overdrive.
looking to each other for some form of restraint against the urge to enter you find only the same eagerness to explore this wondrous discovery in your companions eyes.
Pinecone
"wow that smells amazing! I'm so hungry!"
Acorn
"you're always hungry, but it does smell good."
Keera
"A glass tower?! in the middle of a forest seems a little bit suspicious, dont you think?"
I go up to it and use my knuckles to lightly tap the glass.
tapping on the glass @Keera is surprised to find the glass to be a lot more solid than she expected, more like tapping a stone wall.
Pinecone
"yes yes suspicious, but smell that delicious smell."
Leif
"Wow! I never seen something like that! It's must be poferwull magic! A really powerful magic from powerful hobbit! Like me of course!" I examine the glass and trying to check the entrance.
Acorn
"and look we can see through the walls to inside, and it looks pretty safe and normal....... for a glass tower in the middle of the forest."
Andrex
"Nothing about a glass tower in the middle of a forest is normal... especially when we've come this far away from the normal..... but..." *insert loud stomach rumbling noise* "that does smell good...."
@Leif checks the door, the rose wood door with intricately crafted golden leaves adorning it is slightly ajar. peeking through the open door you can see what seems to be an entrance hall with a black and white tiled floor, comfortable red velvet chaise lounge chair, and large old grandfather clock.
Leif
"Look!" I said and without hesitation go inside.
Keera
"Wait for us."
i also go in
Leif
I am standing behind door with my jaw open.
opening the door a little wider you can see the whole interior of the entrance hall.
the inside seems much larger than could be possible from the outside appearance.
beyond the large door the room opens up into a spacious entry room, with black and white tiles, a comfortable chaise lounge, and an old grandfather clock.
ahead and to the left you see a large oak door with gold gilding of the same leaf pattern as the main entrance. the door to the left is slightly open and you can tell that the delicious smells are coming from there, so thick on the air you swear you can see the scent floating through the room beckoning you to follow.
and to the right a staircase leads to a slightly ajar iron gate before continuing up and out of sight to the second floor.
as you go to enter the twins Pinecone and Acorn fly past at breakneck speed obviously racing each other with Acorn slightly in the lead.
no sooner had @Acorn crossed the threshold that a large golden cage bird drops down from above the creature reaches down with its long golden neck and gobbles up @Acorn in a single bite.
@Acorn presently appears behind the golden bars of the cage birds insides.
It stands there for a moment as if looking at the group then on its wiry legs turns and bolts up the stairs towards the gate.
Pinecone
"wait no Acorn!!"
Acorn
"Heeeeeeelp!"
Andrex
"What the? dammit thats what you get for rushing in! hey come back here bird!" Andrex moves into the tower and makes to move after it
Leif
I shake my head. "Hey! What happening?!"
Hiawatha
"Shit" grumbles Hi, standing at the back of the back "Well, let's go retrieve the silly fairy" (Edited)
the group rushes in after the cage bird and @Acorn as it runs up the stairs on its wiry legs, but as you cross the threshold you hear the door close behind you and you get that terrible sinking feeling in your gut, you're trapped inside.
looking about you also realize the room is much bigger in fact everything is much bigger, or you are smaller, and the walls which from the outside were glass are now a solid white marble granite.
it takes a few seconds for this to sink in and by the time you come to your senses and look for the cage bird and @Acorn you realize it has reached the iron gate and is now on the opposite side of the closed gate standing next to a giant fat man.
the man is very large, both in height and girth. he is wearing light brown overalls, a pink buttoned shirt, a white apron, and big black boots. there seems to be a white powder smeared here and there on his clothes as well as what looks to be pieces of candy, cookies, and other sugary treats stuck here and there.
he pats the cage as @Acorn rattles the bars and calls for help, all the while the fat man is grinning and watching you with little beady eyes.
Leif
"Hey, fatty one! What's happening here? Why are you so fat? And why you catching that little gnomes?" I point on him with my sword. "And tell the truth or I will use my magic!"
Hiawatha
"Hand over our Fairy, Fat Man!" @Hiawatha tries to reason with him
The Muffin Man
"greetings honoured guests I am The Muffin Man"
*pauses for effect, you think you can hear faint clapping and cheering,
"welcome to The Glass Tower"
*pauses, you swear you can hear some one making a "Dun dun dun duuuuun" sound.*
"we are going to play a game, I do hope you like games, and the prize.."
*pauses yet again*
"this fairy!!"
*more muffled cheering and clapping*
Leif
"Eh?" My face gave weird grimace. I am still pointing my sword at him. Then I lover my sword and turn to others. "What he is talking about?" *I shrug.*
Andrex
"you want us to play YOUR game to retrieve OUR friend that you have kidnapped?"
The Muffin Man
"Yesss!"
*big grin*
Hiawatha
"Fat Man sounds like a government official." Hi smirks and loads his pipe. Blowing a perfect smoke ring upwards at the obscene figure, he waits for the other shoe to drop.
The Muffin Man
"The game is simple, all you have to do is get to this here cage before I do and it's yours."
*he pats the cage bird and shoos it along, the cage bird takes off up the stairs to the second floor on its wiry legs.
"well I'll be off then, got a cage to catch, toodles"
*he wiggles his fat stumpy fingers at you then turns and starts to very slowly float up the stairs.*
occasionally he strains his neck to turn and look at you to see if you're moving then claps his little fat hands and goes back to sloooowly floating up the stairs.
he's only traveled less than a meter but he stops looks back and produces a big gold key.
"you'll need this to get past the gate I guess"
*he reaches into a pouch hanging from his belt and pulls out a fist of white powder.
sprinkling it over the key it jerks and twists and sprouts dragonfly wings, he tosses it into the air.*
"off you go now!"
the key then zips off past the gate across the entry hall and through the open door to the left.
"ok, now you can pass the gate as well"
*he chuckles as he turns and starts floating up the stairs again very very slowly.*
Pinecone
"WHAT!"
*@Pinecone looks utterly confused and stares in disbelief*
Keera
"Well, we have no other choice than to play his game. Lets go before the key gets away!"
I run after it
Andrex
"Do you guys know how hard it is to run in this armour?" Andrex follows keera
Hiawatha
"Shit, here we go!" Hi grumbles and then, with an incredible burst of speed, he dashes after the key...
as you cross the entry hall following the key towards the open door you hear cries for help coming from the the direction of the grandfather clock which now looks more like the size of a giant tree.
in the distance near the giant clock you see what looks like mice in sunglasses surrounded by cupcakes and a....... gingerbread man?! the mice are waving their arms about trying to ward off the cakes, the cries for help seem to be coming from them.
Keera
"You guys help them, while i try get the key."
i continue going after it and once i see a opportunity, i cast ray of frost to stop it or slow it down.
Hiawatha
... in a full sprint, Hi continues after the key. It would be hard to stop and in his somewhat simple, primitive mind, his companions are the main priority....
Keera and Hiawatha ignoring the cries for help continues to the open door on the left chasing the key.
Andrex
Andrex goes to help the mice
Andrex
he cant ignore a cry for help
Andrex
his companions can get the key
Pinecone
@Pinecone has a conflicting moment, but realizes @Acorn would be disappointed in him if he didn't try and save the little fuzzy mice, and so turns off to follow @Andrex to help those in distress.
*Sorry Acorn!! Slight detour."
from where arriving at the open door @Keera and @Hiawatha find themselves looking into into a long dinning room, everything seems so large fro they are standing outside of the room and have a hard time making anything out, but they do see the key fly through a door at the far right hand side of the dining room.
as @Andrex and @Pinecone approach, the cupcakes and gingerbread man stop harassing the mice and look at you.
then pointing at you the gingerbread man barks orders to the cupcakes, you're not quite sure what he said as it sounded like someone talking with their mouth full of toffee.
Leif
I run to catch my group. When I see that harassment on mice, I must just say. "Hey! Stop with your acting or I will show you my powerful magic!" Then I draw a greatsword a swing with him in front of me. "Ha-ha!"
@Leif finally catches up to @Pinecone and @Andrex his little legs not as fast as the others.
Leif
I move 1 NE and lock onto position @3 Cupcake Man, where Cupcake Man stands.
"I cast!!!!" booms a deep voice from my throat, overly theatrical as I try to mimic a mighty wizard.
"A Strike of Hunger!" I shout, spinning on my heel, my tabard fluttering like a sorcerer's robe.
Then I slash my sword straight at Cupcake Man's belly-the blow is strong, precise, and accompanied by a dramatic cry more suited to an arena than a battlefield.
I freeze with a look of solemn intensity, as if an ancient ritual had just taken place... though everyone knows it was just a regular sword swing.
the blow from @Leif is fierce and strong, the cupcake mans belly opening up spilling crumbled cake all over the floor. it wobbles uncontrollably its delicious looking pink icing sliding off and slopping on to the floor at @Leifs feet.
Pinecone
@Pinecone moves his hand over his staff imbuing it with druidic energy.
(casts shillelagh)
he then flies towards @3 Cupcake Man and cracks his staff over the top of the cupcake.
the cupcake is split in half from the force of the hit crumbling to the ground as a pile of broken cake pieces.
@Cupcake Man @5 Cupcake Man @4 Cupcake Man charge in wielding their candy daggers and striking out at @Andrex
@2 Cupcake Man and the @Gingerbread Man rush @Leif the @Gingerbread Man swinging his candy sword.
@6 Cupcake Man rushes @Pinecone stabbing at him with his candy dagger.
the cupcake men and gingerbread man lash out with their sugary weapons, but only one cupcake man lands a lucky hit nicking @Andrex the large dragonborn fighter with his dagger.
Andrex
"Well arent you guys irritating!" Andrex raises his longsword and brings it down in a diagonal slash against the cupcake man in front of him (Edited)
in a single swipe @Andrex cuts down the @4 Cupcake Man , it falls to the ground in crumbs its blueberry icing spilling out on to the floor..
Leif
I turn to @Gingerbread Man.
"Now behold my magic!" I roar, raising my sword high.
"I cast... Fireball of a Hundred Heads!"
With exaggerated flourish, I swing the blade down toward the enemy's skull, channeling all the arcane drama of a wizard-despite wielding nothing but steel and bravado.
The strike lands with fiery conviction, more show then sorcery, but my face i saying i am a Wizard!
the blade comes down hard as if wielded by a Titan cleaving the @Gingerbread Man in half. the body crumbles to the floor its gumdrop buttons rolling away scattered by the massive blow.
Pinecone
@Pinecone swings his staff at @6 Cupcake Man
the @6 Cupcake Man is smashed into crumbs sending banana icing splattering across the floor.
@5 Cupcake Man and @Cupcake Man stab at @Andrex .
@2 Cupcake Man stabs at @Leif
the cupcake men seem desperate, their delicious looking comrades strewn all around them.
Andrex
"Hah you puny food men" swings again at cupcake 5
@Andrex swings his sword again, and again the dragonborns mighty blow cleaves a cupcake man in two, cake crumbs and grape icing spilling out over the floor.
Leif
With a sword smeared in jam, its sticky sheen glinting like crimson fire, I fix my gaze on the next opponent @2 Cupcake Man.
"Feel my wrath! Dark magic! I CAST! Dancing Blade!" I roar, spinning dramatically-like a whirlwind of steel.
I unleash a storm of slashing strikes, the blade spreading sweet chaos across his pudgy little body.
The scent of wild berries fills the air, mingling with the tension of battle.
"My mana's running low..." I mutter and lick a jam on my sword.
@Leifs blade dances to the chaotic tune of battle destroying @2 Cupcake Man sending cake and strawberry icing flying through the air.
licking his blade he gets a massive sugar rush, so much so that it almost stops the little halflings heart. but his worriors constitution saves him as he takes a moment to calm himself.
Pinecone
@Pinecone flies up to @Cupcake Man and delivers an attack with his staff.
the blow is hard but not quite enough to end the fight, @Cupcake Man turns on @Pinecone a large portion of it's body smashed and vanilla icing dripping down its face.
but the attack from its candy dagger is weak and is unable to cause any damage.
but the attack from its candy dagger is weak and is unable to cause any damage.
Andrex
andrex seeing the last cup ake man strolls forward and looks towards the mice, without looking he flicks the blade out looking to take out the cupcake
the blade passes through the cupcake it stands motionless for a moment before slowly sliding off the blade collapsing on the floor.
Three Blind Mice 1
"you saved us!"
Three Blind Mice 2
"yes yes!"
Three Blind Mice 3
"thank you so much!"
Leif
"Whoooooaaaa!" I shake a little after that I lick jam from my sword. "Damn! That's a strong spel!" I clean my sword against dead body of cup cake man. "Are you okay little ones? That sugar boys will not harassing you anymore." (Edited)
Three Blind Mice 1
"thank you thank you!"
Three Blind Mice 2
"you are very strong!"
Three Blind Mice 3
"my hero!"
Pinecone
"no problem little fuzzies, but we should be going, we need to catch that key to save my sister!"
Leif
I bow. "My friend hit the head of nail. We must find that flying key. Lead the way someone. I need recovery my magic mana." *I just take a deep breath.*
@Leif @Andrex and @Pinecone head towards the open door to the left.
the mice wave as you depart seeing you off with a cheer.
you quickly catch up and find @Hiawatha and @Keera outside the door looking in.
Leif
"Wow you should be with us! We have glorious fight with huge enemy! The jam... I mean blood was everywhere and my magic save our lives!" I stand proudly.
the group find themselves looking into a long dinning room, everything seems so large from where they are standing outside of the room and have a hard time making anything out, but @Hiawatha and @Keera inform the late comers they saw the key fly through a door at the far right hand side of the dining room.
Hiawatha
"Congratulations, y'all killed the pastries." Hi comments as he scans the room before crossing to the door
as you enter the room everything is a lot smaller than you thought it was from outside the room, or you've gotten bigger, you're unsure.
the key has gone through the door to the right at the end of the room.
now that you are bigger you can clearly see the dining table and the exquisite cutlery and crockery laid out.
down the middle of the table are three large jellies glistening in the light of the room.
there are also large arched windows to your left, looking out you expected to see the forest from where you came yet outside you see a beautiful crystal clear lake at the foot of a snowy mountain range.
@Hiawatha notices a particularly beautiful desert knife next to the jellies it gleams and seems to exude some kind of energy, but your elven keen senses tell you there is something very wrong about this situation.
Hiawatha
"Something is very wrong about the situation." Hi states the obvious.
"That beautiful knife may be important. Some of you magical types want to look at it?"
Meanwhile, he examines the three jellies, using his knowledge of herbs and berries and such...
as the group moves to get a closer look one of the jellies starts to wobble, you can hear a giggling sound as it wibble wobbles before leaping off the table and landing in front of the party.
Andrex
"Ha more sweet stiff yo face my wrath!" Andrex redraws his sword and charges in with an overhead slash
a large slice of jelly slops to the floor as @Andrex blade cuts into it.
@Pinecone casts guidance on @Hiawatha
Hiawatha
Hi springs onto the table and fires an arrow through the killer jelly...
the large chunk @Andrex cut from the jelly begins to wibble wobble you hear a giggling sound as it starts to move.
the arrow strikes the @Ochre Jelly sticking out of its large mass.
Keera
From my hands, magic gathers forming a firebolt. I shoot it at the jelly.
the fire sizzles as it strikes the @Ochre Jelly melting away its sugary form, the air fills with the smell of citrus and burnt sugar.
Leif
I move 3N and 1NE
"I cast! A deadly vanish!" I swing with my sword against @Split Ochre Jelly my sword smiling on the enemy when my blade trying to cut him on pieces. "Wizardly deadly!" I Shout like a powerful wizard casting his spells. m tabard is flying around me making needed effect for my acting drama.
@Leif the halfling fighter swings his blade, his theatrics almost convincing that he really is a wizard.
his sword strikes true cutting the Jelly in half.
it sits motionless for a moment then you hear a giggling as both halves begin to wibble wobble.
@Pinecone flies over to the table.
and picks up a rather ordinary spoon.
Pinecone
"these are desserts right! here try using this instead @Leif !!"
he tosses the spoon to @Leif
but the spoon is quite big and the fairy is not very strong, and so the spoon falls short of its target landing on the floor behind the halfling.
the jellies wibble wobble then strike out at @Andrex and @Leif.
the double split little jellies miss @Leif, but the big jelly wallops @Andrex.
the force of the hit knocks @Andrex unconscious, the dragonborn hitting the ground hard.
then the acid begins to eat away at his scaly skin, clothes, armour, and weapon.
Pinecone
"@Andrex get up!! this is no time for a nap!!"
(healing word)
he then grabs the beautifully crafted cake knife and throws it at the @Ochre Jelly.
@Pinecones words reach the dragonborn who immediately wakes up his clothes, and armour have taken some acid damage, but his black dragon ancestry has spared his body from the corrosive goo.
the cake knife sticks into the @Ochre Jelly which reacts violently, much more than expected from such a small blade....... curious.
Andrex
I stand up and reach for the knife and stab him with it.
Leif
"Fireball!" I stabb @Double Split Ochre Jelly like wizard when cast with his staff.
Andrex
stabby stab with knife
Andrex
Ba second wind
@Leif attacks again with his mighty great sword carving the small jelly down the middle, and again the two new tiny halves start giggling and wibble wobbling.
@Andrex stabs with the beautiful cake knife as he does the @Ochre
Jellys cell structure collapses as it liquifies and sloshes down violently into a puddle on the floor.
@Andrex takes a deep breath centering himself and drawing on stored strength.
Keera
I cast firebolt at @2 Triple Split Ochre Jelly
the little jelly bursts into blue flames like a flaming brulee.
Hiawatha
Hi moves down the table and fires into the nearest jelly...
the arrow finds its target striking the @Double Split Ochre Jelly its cellular structure collapses as it liquifies into a puddle on the floor.
the little jellies wibble wobble and attack @Leif
the little halfling is knocked out cold by the attack, as the acidic residue of the jellies eats away at his armour.
Pinecone
"oh my goodness Leif get up my friend!"
(healing word)
@Pinecones words restore vitality back to the little halfling.
@Andrex @Leif @Hiawatha @Keera your turn
Keera
Once again, i cast firebolt at @2 Triple Split Ochre Jelly
Andrex
"Dammit lief try the spoon! I continue to attack wuth my dagger hitting 2 split jelly
@Keeras firebolt scorches the little jelly rendering it a steaming puddle of caramelized sugar
@Andrex steps forward and delivers a devastating stab against the remaining little jelly with the beautiful dessert knife which liquifies the jelly leaving it a puddle on the floor.
Andrex
"I think I'm going to keep this knife, just incase there is any more nasty jellies..."
Keera
"Now that is finally over. Where is that damn key? @Acorn needs us!"
I hastily look around
Pineconr
*@Pinecone picks up the spoon*
"guess I'll hold onto this for now."
Pinecone
"didn't you say it went off through that door over there"
Hiawatha
"Yes, it went that way." Hi points. "Are we ready?"
Keera
"Im fine physically. What about the rest?"
Andrex
*inspecting his gear* "You've got to be kidding me right? that melted the links in my chain mail! I have a bald spot now!"
Andrex
"Nothing scares the great Andrex... let us be off"
Leif
"Ouch!!! My magic armor didn't work properly! Look at me!"
Keera
*in a sarcastic tone*
"Yeah, the magical power must have worn off."
Leif
"Yes! Yes! If I was not weak from hungry! I will be not taken down so easily!" *I sit and grab a package with food and start eating." "I hum a hungly." *I said with my mouth full of dry meat.*
Hiawatha
Hi snaps his fingers a few times, (prestidigitation), cleaning some of the goo off of @Andrex. "There you go, mate!"
Turning to @Leif, he comments, "If you survive this, we need to talk. Meanwhile, we have a comrade to save. Get off your ass!" He walks to the door the key disappeared through, pauses a moment, then swings it open... looking inside...
Leif
*I nod and share my food with @Pinecone* "take it. You save my life."
as you enter the room you realize you are a lot smaller than you used to be, looking back you see that the dining table seems much larger now.
you have entered the kitchen there is a large wooden table in the center of the room towering above you like a mountain.
around the room are various stoves, ovens, tables, cabinets, and other kitcheny paraphernalia.
you hear cries for help and looking in the direction of the commotion you see,
the three blind mice tied up and hanging over a large cauldron of boiling water, it was their cries for help you heard.
there are 3 gingerbread men lowering the mice slowly into the coldron while laughing, you hear one say in that voice that sounds like their mouth is full of toffee " mis mill meach mou mor mealing macks".
a little further away you see 10 cupcake men pulling on a large chain, they are chanting something you can't quite hear, the chain looks to be connected to a large metal bowl on top of the table, it looks ready to tip over they chant "M*#a Ic&@g Lor$ we rele!?e yo@ f*om y+&r m"tal pri?;n!!"
Keera
"These mices look familiar, didnt you guys helped them earlier?"
Pinecone
"ummm yes we did!?"
Leif
"Quickly help them!" *I grab my belly.* "my wounds are still bad. My spells are weak!"
Leif
"...and don't eat them!"
Pinecone
"try not to get hurt....."
*uncomfortable chuckle*
"I won't be able to heal you this time."
Hiawatha
"The do get around for some blind mice." Hi comments and steps to one side, putting an arrow into the lead cupcake pulling on the chain...
@Hiawatha arrow flies true striking the lead cupcake who goes ridged and falls down dead its icing top spilling on to the floor.
Keera
I move 2 diagonal up right and 1 up, then cast thunderwave to hit all 3 gingerbread mens.
the shockwave sends the gingerbread men staggering backwards as they realize they are under attack.
Leif
I take a deep breath. "Spell! Of! RE-co-very!!"
Andrex
Andrex charges in and stabs gingerbread man 4 with his dagger
the blade of the Cake Knife of Catastrophe sinks into the gingerbread man, his rather angry looking face turning to one of pure terror as he crumbles before the dragonborn.
@Leif draws on his inner strength.
(second wind)
Pinecone
@Pinecone casts shillelagh imbuing his staff with druidic energy, and moves forward striking out at @3 Gingerbread Man
the staff comes down hard crumbling the gingerbread man and squishing his gumdrop buttons.
Leif
I go 5NE
@2 Gingerbread Man turns and strikes out at @Andrex with his candy sword.
but his attack is thwarted by the heavily armoured dragonborn.
Andrex
Andrex slashes at the ginger bread man on front of him
the Cake Knife of Catastrophe makes short work of the @2 Gingerbread Man as it crumbles to the ground.
Hiawatha
(Hi shoots cupcake # 16)
Hiawatha
(the tremendous ringing in his ears throws his shot off!)
Keera
A firebolt forms in my hands and flies to @10 Cupcake Man
@Hiawathas shot goes wide missing its target.
@10 Cupcake Mans icing melts off its body as it is scorched by @Keeras firebolt.
@Pinecone moves up towards the cupcake men
the Cupcake Men start chanting as they pull on the chain.
"M#a! M#a! M#a!"
and with a final tug the metal bowl comes crashing down from above right on top of the cupcake men.
"M#aaaaaaaaaaa!"
most of the cupcake men are destroyed by the falling bowl, the survivors scattered.
as the bowl rolls away it leaves behind a large white mass which bubbles pops and oozes, before it starts to take shape towering above you.
Leif
I go 2NE under table and then i go 2NW
"Hello there! I cast! A itchy feet!" Then I strike with my sword on his knees.
@Leif cuts the @14 Cupcake Man in half the lower half dropping to the floor itchy feet and all, the top half goes flying sending strawberry icing splashing over the three blind mice and extinguishing the fire under the cauldron.
Three Blind Mice 1
"kyaa the icing I can't see."
Three Blind Mice 2
"we are blind we could never see"
Three Blind Mice 1
"oh yeah"
Three Blind Mice 3
"thank you so much, that was getting a little too hot and uncomfortable."
Andrex
andrex ignored the cupcake men and charges at the icing monster
Pinecone
@Pinecone shoulders his staff and equips the spoon. then moves in to attack @M#a the Icing Monster.
icing goes flying as both @Andrex and @Pinecone assault the @M#a the Icing Monster.
Keera
Another firebolt flies, this time at @12 Cupcake Man
the firebolt overshoots, luckily you are in a kitchen and the majority of items are fireproof.
@M#a the Icing Monster rears up bringing down a massive pseudopod on @Andrex.
the force of the attack rocks the dragonborn followed by the realization that the icing is corrosive, @Andrex is spared the majority of the acid damage thanks to his lineage, but his armour corrodes away a little.
Hiawatha
"*Maw?* Doesn't look like Mother!" Hi fires an arrow at @M#a the Icing Monster's head, then slings his bow and draws the blades
the arrow strikes @M#a the Icing Monster, as the arrow slides down the monstrous icing creature it dissolves away to nothing.
@12 Cupcake Man attacks @Andrex
@9 Cupcake Man attacks @Pinecone
but miss their targets.
Keera
once again a firebolt at @12 Cupcake Man
"Im getting sick with all these desserts"
Pinecone
"could be worse could be hags."
Leif
I move 2 north and 1 east and try to hit that M#a the Icing Monster.
"When my magic shining in the light of Ether of All magic Hobbits! I use my powerful spell! Beam of DOOM!" Then I strike with my sword.
@Keeras firebolt strikes @12 Cupcake Man its delicious looking vanilla icing cap bursting into flames.
@Leif strikes @M#a the Icing Monster as his blade exits the monstrosity he sees that it has begun to corrode.
Pinecone
@Pinecone hands @Andrex a small vial.
"drink this, you look like you're about to fall over."
Pinecone
@Pinecone then uses the 'Vorpal Spoon' again to attack @M#a the Icing Monster
as the spoon strikes the creature it flashes bright green as the Vorpal Spoons magic is unleashed.
but @M#a the Icing Monster is no ordinary dessert and it withstands the destructive forces the spoon unleashes.
Andrex
"we dont have time for this, the muffin man was slow but were just getting held up lets finish these quickly!" proceeds to shank the icing monster
@Andrex carves away at @M#a the Icing Monster dealing considerable damage.
you can see it is badly injured as chunks of icing fall and splatter on the floor around you.
@M#a the Icing Monster lashes out once more at @Andrex.
but this time the dragonborn was ready and dodges out of the way of the attack.
Hiawatha
Hi decides the bow was doing fine so he tucks the blades and fires another arrow into icing man's head...
the arrow strikes @M#a the Icing Monster dissolving as it sinks into its gloopy body.
M#a the Icing Monster
@12 Cupcake Man attacks @Andrex
@9 Cupcake Man attacks @Pinecone
But their attacks miss.
Leif
I go 2SW and 1E
"Uhh! You shall not pass behind my friend! Fire of steel!" I attack @9 Cupcake Man with my strike from up on his head just between his cute sweet eyes.
@9 Cupcake Man never knew what hit him as he is swiftly cut in half crumbs and icing spilling out over the floor.
Keera
Again, a firebolt at @12 Cupcake Man
another firebolt scorches @12 Cupcake Man his icing has melted away and his soft fluffy cake has become black and crispy, but he still stands waving his candy dagger defiantly.
@Pinecone strikes @M#a the Icing Monster with the 'Vorpal Spoon'.
as the spoon strikes the creature it flashes bright green as the Vorpal Spoons magic is unleashed.
@M#a the Icing Monster gurgles but otherwise resists the Vorpal Spoons power.
Andrex
starting to look worse for wear Andrex slashes again in desperation
@Andrex stabs at @M#a the Icing Monster the icing monstrosity let's out a gurgling shriek before its cellular structure collapses and it liquifies into a pool on the floor.
Hiawatha
Hi puts an arrow into the last killer cupcake...
@Hiawatha arrow flies striking the @12 Cupcake Man , it goes ridged, then takes one step, two steps, three steps, then collapses.
Three Blind Mice 1
"oh me oh my!"
Three Blind Mice 2
"that was intense!"
Three Blind Mice 3
"you saved us again, thank you thank you!"
Hiawatha
"You're welcome. What can you tell us about this place and the Muffin Man?" Hi replies while retrieving what arrows he can and giving the place a very quick search.
Three Blind Mice 1
"this place, well you are in the kitchen."
Three Blind Mice 2
"yes lots of delicious snacks here."
Three Blind Mice 3
"but The Muffin Man he doesn't like us taking snacks."
Three Blind Mice 1
"nope"
Three Blind Mice 2
"that's why the gingerbread men are always after us."
Three Blind Mice 3
"but we have to eat.... right."
Hiawatha
"Concentrate, Little Ones! He has our companion, help us! Tell us what you know"
Three Blind Mice 1
"we know lots of things"
Three Blind Mice 2
"what did you want to know?"
Three Blind Mice 3
"I'm not sure if we know LOTS of things, but we probably know a little."
while looking around @Hiawatha finds that the cauldron the mice were hanging over is actually an interesting artifact.
he also sees candy daggers and candy swords lying about on the floor amongst the crumbled remains of the gingerbread men and cupcake men.
Hiawatha
"An interesting pot, wonder what it does? Do y'all think these cute little weapons good for anything?" he asks, taking a pair of candy swords.
Keera
"Dont know, but you can take them if you want. We still need that key to get through the gate. Unless you 3 mices have another way for us."
Hiawatha
"Would one of you magical types please look at this pot? We need all the help we can get!"
Turning to the mice, he continues "Yes, furry ones, our friend is in a cage at the top of the Tower. Please answer the Pink Demon Lady and tell us if there is a short cut, anything about traps... anything may help. "
Keera
While @Hiawatha talks with the mices, i take a look at the pot to see what kind of artifact it is.
Three Blind Mice 1
"top of the tower?"
*the mouse looks confused*
Three Blind Mice 2
"your friend is in a cage?"
Three Blind Mice 3
"lots of ways to travel, we heard your key fly through the door heading for the greenhouse."
Hiawatha
"Oh, Dear Ancestors! Give me patience!" Hi exclaims, rubbing his head. Turning to the group he asks, "Communication is not my expertise but something can be learned from these mice. Someone else want to give it a shot?"
Andrex
""You are aware your asking BLIND mice to lead you through the building and give you insight on to what they may of seen..."
Leif
"How did they know about that the greenhouse is green?" I am confused.
Keera
"We have to to do something. Lets take a look at the greenhouse. Oh btw that pot makes porridge whenever we want."
I hold the pot out and say "cook little pot cook"
the little pot begins to steam and you see hot porridge starting to form inside.
as it cooks you can hear a little voice singing.
"Plip, plap, plop, plip, plap, plop, stir it, never stop. Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, porridge in the pot. Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, eat it piping hot."
Pinecone
"that's a neat trick."
Pinecone
"so I guess we are off to the greenhouse next,"
*eats a spoonful of porridge using the Vorpal Spoon*
"that's actually pretty good porridge."
Hiawatha
"Believe I'll wait and see what it does to you, Little One." Hi smiles. Turning to the giant lizard, he frowns "I didn't ask them to show us anything, Dinosaur."
Hiawatha
"You all that are wounded, can you continue?"
Pinecone
"probably get fat if I keep eating it."
the Little Porridge Pot is now full of porridge as it continues to steam away singing as it cooks more porridge.
"Plip, plap, plop, plip, plap, plop, stir it, never stop. Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, porridge in the pot. Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, eat it piping hot."
Three Blind Mice 1
"that smells good"
Three Blind Mice 2
"indeed it does"
Three Blind Mice 3
"don't mind if we help ourselves do you."
the three blind mice dig into the porridge.
Hiawatha
"Do you feel any better?" He takes a bowl from habit, a good Soldier eating whenever he can!
the porridge is delicious.
it begins to pour over the sides of the little pot and sloshes on to the floor.
it continues to steam away singing as it cooks more porridge.
"Plip, plap, plop, plip, plap, plop, stir it, never stop. Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, porridge in the pot. Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, eat it piping hot."
Keera
"oh oh. How do stop this? Stop little pot stop."
the Little Porridge Pot stops cooking and the remaining porridge quickly eaten up.
Three Blind Mice 1
"that was delicious"
Three Blind Mice 2
"thank you"
Three Blind Mice 3
"yes really hit the spot"
Keera
"You 3 better stay with us for now, so we dont have to rescue a 3 time. Now lets check out the greenhouse. You guys know where that is?"
Three Blind Mice 1
"you can enter the greenhouse through there."
Game Master
all three mice point in the direction to the door to the north east.
Three Blind Mice 2
"but we really must be off"
Three Blind Mice 3
"yes..... um.... lots to do, but thank you again."
Three Blind Mice 1
"yes we'll try and be careful."
the three blind mice wave goodbye as you depart for the door to the greenhouse.
Hiawatha
Hi approaches the greenhouse door. When all are ready, he swings it open, steps in on the right hand side and looks carefully around...
opening the door you see a lush green house full of exotic plants.
there is a large fountain off to the side and near it is a white garden table set of finely worked iron.
golden rays of light stream in through the glass panes of the glasshouse giving the air a soft glow.
the air is warm and humid as it reaches you yet outside through the glass the landscape is ice and snow is falling all around, yet the falling snow never settles in the glasshouse, instead melting and running off the sides.
you are currently quite small while in the kitchen and everything on the other side seems as though looking upon a dream.
@Hiawatha steps over the threshold and as he does so he disappears.
Keera
"Wha- he is gone with a blink of a eye. HIAWATHA!!"
i check the doorframe of magic
Checking the door Keera doesn't see anything suspicious.
***************
stepping over the threshold you seem to have reverted to your normal size... more or less, but the greenhouse has not changed other than your perspective of it..... but you also note that where once the garden furniture sat now sits the three blind mice.
they are wearing fine attire and fez hats, although still wearing their glasses, and are enjoying a delicious looking high tea, with scones, jam, and cream, and are drinking what looks to be tea from elaborate porcelain teacups.
Hiawatha
Hi freezes in position, realizing is alone, and very carefully scans the garden scene... train Hunter's eye looking for the out of place... (other than the Three blind mice in fezes having tea!)
the three blind mice wave to you and beckon you over to come join them.
Hiawatha
He stays in position and on guard while calling back to them with a chuckle, "What's the problem this time?"
Three Blind Mice 1
"no problem"
Three Blind Mice 2
"we took your advice"
Three Blind Mice 3
"yes, staying out of trouble and enjoying a lovely pot of tea"
Hiawatha
"I seem to have a moment, a tea would be lovely." He chuckles and joins them, sitting cross legged and loading his pipe. "I take sugar in mine, thank you very much."
the mice pour you a cup of hot tea from an elaborate porcelain tea pot and smile warmly.
Hiawatha
"Many thanks." Hi sips the tea. "Very nice. Bye the bye, love the fezes! Do you have a hookah, pray tell?" he loads it from the embroidery pouch around his neck.
Hiawatha
Hi butters a scone and sips his tea... enquires politely about their families... enjoying what may be his last peaceful moment!
*******************
Pinecone
"no point in sitting around waiting"
*@Pinecone steps over the threshold and promptly disappears*
Keera
"*sighs*Hopefully nothing immediatly attacks us" also walk in
the group move through the doorway into the greenhouse.
stepping over the threshold they seem to have reverted to their normal size... more or less, but the greenhouse has not changed other than your perspective of it..... but you also note that where once the garden furniture sat now sits the three blind mice and @Hiawatha.
the mice are wearing fine attire and fez hats, although still wearing their glasses, and are enjoying a delicious looking high tea, with scones, jam, and cream, and are drinking what looks to be tea from elaborate porcelain teacups.
Three Blind Mice 1
"family yes"
Three Blind Mice 2
"loads"
Three Blind Mice 3
"yes so many fuzzy families"
Leif
"Wait for me!" I go to them.
the group gather around the little table.
Three Blind Mice 1
"welcome friends"
Hiawatha
"Glad to hear it. Seen Humpty Dumpty lately?" Hi replies to the mice then offers the group a cup of tea.
Three Blind Mice 2
"yes welcome, pull up a seat and have a cup of tea."
Three Blind Mice 3
"it only takes a minute and you'll feel much better."
Three Blind Mice 1
"who?"
Three Blind Mice 2
"is"
Three Blind Mice 3
"Humpty Dumpty?"
Game Master
the mice look intrigued.
they stare at @Hiawatha, although they can't see, and take a long loud over exaggerated sip of their tea.
Leif
I trying to grab some food. As a hobbit I am always hungry. "My magic power needs rest for a while."
Three Blind Mice 1
"yes eat"
Three Blind Mice 2
"it's good"
Three Blind Mice 3
"not like those horrible things the Muffin Man makes"
Keera
"Anyways, did you guys hear the key somewhere? You told us it is in here."
I look around for it
Three Blind Mice 1
"the key!?"
Three Blind Mice 2
"oh yes the key"
Three Blind Mice 3
"it went in there......."
the three blind mice point to a corner in the greenhouse to the south east.
you look in the direction the mice are pointing and see a dark overgrown section of the greenhouse, the plants here seem wild and unkept unlike the rest of the greenhouse, you see that they line an overgrown path which leads to a mass of vines, the vines cover and surround a dark crumbling hole in a wet mossy wall.
Leif
"Uh... i... i think i need more food if we go there..." *I scratch my head.* "we should get strength first... a little nap maybe?"
Keera
"Alright, lets rest up before go further. Ready yourself for any suprises. We need some light anyways for that dark corner."
I set the pot out for everyone and i cast light on my staff.
after drinking their tea and having a scone or two the party feels remarkably better, perhaps it's the warm comfortable setting and gentle sounds of water and insects, perhaps it's the delicious tea, scones and good company, what ever the reason the group feel much better, and ready to find the key and rescue Acorn.
Pinecone
"the scones are great, the tea is wonderful, and I could eat this porridge everyday and never get tired of it."
Keera
"We can make easy money selling porridge with this pot but first we need to save @Acorn."
i start heading into the overhrown path with my stick infront light up the way.
the group head through the hole in the wet stone wall and find themselves inside a vine tunnel as they move down the tunnel it seems to get larger, or they were getting smaller, until they come to an intersection.
from somewhere within the vine tunnel they can hear the three blind mice.
Three Blind Mice 1
"Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe."
Andrex
"Did anyone understand them? which way do we go now..." Andrex will try and listen down the other oaths to see if he can hear anything
sounds seem to echo within the tunnels and some sounds which you shouldn't be able to hear seem to come and go as if the vines are tampering with the sound in some way, or maybe it's just yet another strange place in a long line of strange places which you seem to be finding yourself in lately.
Keera
"Lets try left. We will eventually find something and if not we can try the other way."
I still holding my staff like lantern and walk left.
Leif
"Wow! Magic!" I follow the lantern like moth in night.
Game Master
heading left you soon come to another intersection where the path turns left and right again..
in the distance you hear the mice.
Three Blind Mice 2
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"
Leif
"Hush! Watch the liiight...." Then i Shake my head. "Huh! What was that?
Where we are?" I draw my sword (Edited)
Keera
"This is like labyrinth in here. Lets try right this time. Try to remember our way."
heading to the right
Hiawatha
(Hi is right with her, using all his instincts to help find the way)
Leif
I just following them. Clenching sword handle like hobit holding his piece of cake on front of hobits hungry children's.
Keera
Amused by his previous reaction, i touch the tip of Leif's sword and cast light on it. (Edited)
@Hiawatha
looking around as you travel through the tunnel you notice a strange yellow substance on the leaves.
the substance is sticky, and smells a little like curdled milk and rotting food left in the sun. judging from the height of the marks and subtle clues like bent or broken branches and leaves you sense that there is something large up ahead.
at the next intersection the tracks lead to the right.
heading right you soon come to another intersection where the path turns left and right again..
in the distance you hear the mice.
Three Blind Mice 3
"He took his vorpal sword in hand; Long time the manxome foe he sought-So rested he by the Tumtum tree And stood awhile in thought."
Hiawatha
"Anyone know what the hell that's supposed to mean?" Hi shakes his head. "Anyway... there is a trail. See?" He points out the goo and the disturbed leafs.
"It's big. It went towards the right." (Edited)
Keera
"so what you are saying is something gooey went right? Should we also go?"
Hiawatha
"Something that leaves a sticky substance and smells a little like really soured milk, yes.
Which way the key went in here, I don't know. Those mice* are probably
giving us a clue in their silly way. We might take a look down the clear path, then come back if it's a dead
end. This trail will be easy enough to find! Whatever y'all think, I'm with you."
Hiawatha
"What say you, @Andrex ?"
Pinecone
"there is something very not normal about these vines and tunnel."
Pinecone
"so which way left or right?"
Keera
"Maybe the goo thing knows its way through this. Right!" i go right
there are three paths leading out of this area two to the south a left and right path, and one to the north.
the wall to the group's right is very leafy and green and a row of shrubberies lines its base.
to the south east a large tree is growing out of the rich black soil, in its branches you see what appears to be a stage for a theatrical performance.
the stage is on a strange angle as if it fell out of the sky and landed in the
tree, it looks old and weathered and there is dust, mold, and cobwebs
littering the stage, the supports, floorboards, and many of the props are broken and rotten.
in the center of the stage you see a large stone with a shining silver greatsword sticking out of it.
the clearing seems calm and peaceful, it is surprisingly quiet except for the sound of a bird clucking to itself, which must be out of sight somewhere in the clearing because you can't see it or pinpoint its location.
Keera
i take a look at the stage
"this place gets weirder everytime you blink"
i move to investigate
as @Keera heads towards the stage hanging in the tree to investigate, the tree begins to move, behind you the shrubberies begin to quiver, and the clucking bird shrieks.
Pinecone
"I don't think this spoon or @Andrexs cake knife is going to be any good against these guys."
Hiawatha
Hi springs into action and attacks the nearest shrub, hacking at it's stem with both swords.
Pinecone
@Pinecone casts shillelagh imbuing his staff with druidic energy.
he moves towards @2 Frumious Bandersnatch and attacks
@Hiawatha quickly cuts down the @3 Frumious Bandersnatch
@Pinecone crushes @2 Frumious Bandersnatch with his staff.
@Jub Jub Bird dashes towards the party circling around to their left flank.
the huge @Tumtum Tree wades forward the party the dilapidated stage swaying precariously in its branches.
it slams down a large branch on top of @Andrex .
but the dragonborn quickly steps out of the way.
Andrex
Andrex takes a step across and targets the Jun Jub bird
@Andrex swings his sword, clipping the @Jub Jub Birds wing.
Leif
*@Leif runs up on his short halfling legs swinging his greatsword as he moves behind the @Tumtum Tree to flank it.*
"I bring down the dooooom of my sword on you! BLASTING SLICE OF WOODCHOPPERY!"
@Leif strikes hard against the @Tumtum Trees trunk causing splinters to fly.
as he does so a melodic chime is heard as if something has taken notice of the commotion transpiring.
a faint pale blue glow emanates from the broken stage briefly.
@Frumious Bandersnatch skuttles up to @Pinecone waving its branches in the little fairies face.
but @Pinecone easily flies out of reach of the leafy foliage.
Keera
I Disengage and move 1N 4W
Hiawatha
Hi steps forward and trims the last bush! chop! chop!
@Hiawatha quickly dispatches the @Frumious Bandersnatch in a flurry of blades.
Pinecone
@Pinecone flies over attacking the @Tumtum Tree with his staff.
but is unable to penetrate the hard bark of the great tree.
The @Jub Jub Bird pecks at @Andrex
missing the dragonborn
@Tumtum Tree angered by @Leifs attack lashes out at the halfling with a giant branch.
knocking the little halfling unconscious.
Hiawatha
"@Leif !!!" Hi cries
Pinecone
"hang in there @Leif !!"
Andrex
"Grr tree i will get to you in a minute" Andrex swipes at the at the jub pub bird again
Keera
"@Leif!! Burn you cursed oak!" I cast firebolt at @Tumtum Tree
streaks of fire lash against the @Tumtum Tree blackening its bark and heating its wood.
@Andrex slashes across the @Jub Jub Bird as feathers go flying.
Hiawatha
"Burn it,@Keera!" Hi cheers as he circles around the @Jub Jub Bird as far as possible. He slash's at the base of it's neck then follows through, stabbing into it's body...
the well aimed swings, the @Jub Jub Birds head flops to the ground its body stuck on the end of @Hiawathas blade as its legs move involuntarily trying to run away.
Pinecone
"up you get @Leif, this is no time for a nap!"
(healing word)
Pinecones words reach Leif reviving the halfling.
the @Tumtum Tree is badly burnt and enraged, it swings a large branch at @Andrex.
the force of the attack knocking the dragonborn out cold.
Hiawatha
"Medic! Medic!"
Keera
My hands starting to glow and heat up. I move 3E and cast burning hands.
Leif
"I almost dying!" Then i swing with my sword from right to left and then with pirouette I turn around and swing from top to left. "I CAST!!!!" I shout. "A dancing butterflies..."
Leif
Then I take a deep breath and my veins filling with new oxigen. (Second wind)
flames lap up against the @Tumtum Tree as its bark crackles and pops.
@Leif swings his sword delivering another mighty blow sending woodchips flying.
again in inquisitive chime can be heard and a light glow from the stage.
@Leif feels a second surge as he readies himself.
@Pinecone moves around the base of the @Tumtum Tree reaching @Andrex he pours the potion he had given him earlier down his throat.
@Andrex splutters and coughs as he regains consciousness.
Hiawatha
Hi steps around the Dumb Dumb tree, attacking from the East. He focuses intently, looking for a weak spot on the abomination of nature.
Suddenly leaping in, he sends woodchips flying...
(Hunters Mark, bonus action
moves three S., one E.)
@Hiawatha swings his scimitar striking the base of the @Tumtum Tree where @Leif had been attacking. the wood creaks and pops as the trunk of the @Tumtum Tree gives way and collapses.
the @Tumtum Tree topples down along with the broken stage crashing to the ground sending leaves, branches, and twigs flying.
Keera
"That tree was a lot of trouble. Everybody good? I am sorry for blindly going in without checking for an ambush like that."
Pinecone
"I don't think it would have made a difference, it didn't seem to be particularly friendly."
Hiawatha
"No worries, we survived in the end and probably would have had to come this way regardless." he gives her a squeeze on the shoulder. "What's that little toy stage, you reckon?"
Leif
"Whoooooooooaaaaa!!!! I feel that power of magic! It's like a fairy powder!" My left eyelid twitches.
Pinecone
"but what was that strange chiming sound and glow coming from that weird stage?"
Hiawatha
"I think you need to cut down on the fairy powder, my little friend!"
the group clears away the broken branches and splintered wood until they uncover the broken remains of the stage.
most of the equipment and props are rotten, moldy, and moth eaten but the stone with the greatsword sticking out of it seems to be in perfect condition.
Keera
"That sword is probably not normal but maybe we can use it."
I try to inspect it for any magic
Leif
"Thats probably sword full of magic!" I trying to slip between @Keera and grab the handle of the sword.
@Leif grabs the sword, he can feel a slight vibration as he touches it.
Leif
My eyes shining. "Finally!" I trying to pull him out from stone.
the sword easily slides out of the stone, it glows a pale blue before returning to normal leaving a single word in your mind 'Shakespeare'.
as @Leif pulls out the sword any attempts @Keera was making to discover whether the sword was magical or not are rendered mute as the whole group watches the sword glow as @Leif pulls it from the stone.
Keera
"Well, lets hope it wasnt cursed or anything."
Leif
"Is curse a magic?" I gaze on lighting sword.
looking around @Hiawatha notices that the sticky goo trail leads off to the south path on the left.
Hiawatha
"Behold! The once and future King!" Hi laughs. Clapping his hands, ten juicy berries appear. (Good Berry)
"@Andrex? Eat these, you will feel better." Hi then continues, " What say we follow the slim trail? It will lead to a fight but also the way out. Maybe.
Hiawatha
While the group catches their breath and decides, Hi plucks a few of the best feathers from the JU JU bird, braiding them into his hair...
Leif
I holding that sword called Shakespeare in my hand. "It's like... part of me. It's... mine! My precious! My Shwooord!" I rise sword above my head. "I CAST!!!!! A big party!" I start dance by hobbit style with joy. "This is the best gift for young hobbit mage of his own history of life in this world! And if something concerns the world, and since I am part of the world, it concerns me! Therefore! I am the greatest magical hobbit!!"
Hiawatha
"Wow! Part of that actually made sense." @Hiawatha laughs with his *magical* companion while finishing another braid...
Andrex
"Thank you Hiawatha, I could certainly use something, that tree was unnaturally strong"
Hiawatha
Hi inclines his head in acknowledgment.
"Do we follow the slime trail or not? *once more into the breach?*"
Andrex
Andrex throws the whole handful of goodberries down his throat before brushing himself down, "I dont think we have much of a choice you know, we.need to find that key"
Hiawatha
"Well, the Hobbit is high on *magic* and we know that @Keera wants to meet the slime!" Hi grins and winks at her.
When all are ready, he will lead the way, using all his instincts to follow the path and watch for traps...
as @Leif swings his sword through the air and utters his words low light in a kaleidoscope of colours begins to flicker fading in and out around the halfling like a strange disco party, you can even hear a slight muffled tune coming from somewhere.
the lights illuminate the area you are in casting shades of pink, blue, green, and orange on to the strange vine tunnel before abruptly stopping.
eating the berries @Andrex feels refreshed and full.
as the group follows @Hiawatha the hear the three blind mice in the distance.
Three Blind Mice 1
"And, as in uffish thought he stood, The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame, Came whiffling through the tulgey wood, And burbled as it came!"
moving around a bend they come to a long passageway within the vine tunnel.
the passageway is overgrown and vines hang down from the ceiling obscuring the way ahead, but through the mess of tangled vines they can see a large shape shifting up ahead.
Hiawatha
"I see a large shape shuffling up ahead." Hi whispers
Hiawatha
"I'll take a closer look. Please come running if you hear screaming." With that he slips forward like a shadow, trying to get a view of what they are facing while still watching for traps...
@Hiawatha stealthily creeps through the tunnel, carefully moving through the vines, but his vision is obscured and before he knows it he is right on top of the creature lurking within the tunnel.
due to the hanging vines and overgrown nature of this part of the vine tunnel it is difficult to see or aim at anything over 10ft away.
the Jabberwocky!!
it is humongous and appears to be a creme brulee although it looks and smells like it was left out in the sun too long as it is curdled. it is also covered in dirt way beyond the acceptable three second rule, and vines, leaves and branches are entangled in and around it.
the fearsome creature roars as you come into view and prepares to charge.
Andrex
if i have worked it out right 30ft will allow me to get right next to @Hiawatha I between him and the @Jabberwocky seeing its consistency i pull out my dagger rather than my longsword and stab at it
@Andrex stabs with the 'Cake Knife of Catastrophe' but misses.
@Pinecone draws the 'Vorpal Spoon' and flies towards the @Jabberwocky as close as he can get at this time and casts ice knife.
Leif
I move 1W and 4SW
@Pinecones ice knife strikes the @Jabberwocky then explodes sending shards of ice through the air embedding in the @Jabberwockys goopy body.
Keera
My hands turning light blue and some crystal like ice is forming. I cast ray of frost.
Keera
i also move 1 sw and 5w
the frost crystalizes on the @Jabberwocky chunks of rotting creme brulee slopping on to the ground.
The @Jabberwocky roars lashing out with its claws at @Andrex
it claws at @Andrex gripping him with one claw and tries to pull him into its mouth, but without the other claw to grip tightly the dragonborn slips away.
Keera
"If coldness doesnt harm you, maybe some fire will."
i cast burning hands
Leif
I go 2W
As the strange creature slithers into view, i step forward with theatrical flair. I raises my gleaming longsword high above my head, my eyes blazing with delusion and determination.
"I CAST A SPELL!" I bellows, voice cracking with excitement.
"STRIKE OF SEVEN HUNDRED HALFLING FINGERS!"
With a dramatic flourish, i lunges forward, stabbing wildly-each thrust accompanied by whispered nonsense words and exaggerated gestures, as if conducting an invisible orchestra of arcane power.
the flames envelope the @Jabberwocky it burbles as the fire caramelizes it's outside creating a hard coating.
+1 @Jabberwocky AC
as @Leif attacks his greatsword 'Shakespeare' chimes, as others witness a multitude of little hands all poking the @Jabberwocky.
Andrex
"Stand still will you" andrex these another stab whilst also drawing on his innate healing with second wind
@Andrex strikes but misses again as he takes a deep breath filling his body with fresh vitality.
Pinecone
@Pinecone flies around the back of the @Jabberwocky striking with the 'Vorpal Spoon'
the 'Vorpal Spoon' takes a scoop out of the @Jabberwocky yet it didn't even seem to notice such a small wound.
Hiawatha
He circles around besides @Pinecone and stabs the Jabber with his candy swords...
@Hiawatha moves quickly around the @Jabberwocky stabbing into its gelatinous body, as creme brulee spills on to the ground.
the @Jabberwocky attempts to grab @Leif with its claws.
the @Jabberwocky scratches @Leif with one of its caramelized claws.
Andrex
still reeling from his last miss Andrex tries to refocus himself and calmly strike the jabberwocky
Hiawatha
05:51 AM
"Over here, you pastry abomination!" Hi tries to draw the jabberwockies attention and attacks with both candy swords!
@Andrex continues to stabb but is unable to land a blow, his blade slipping over the hard caramelized shell.
Keera
"Ok, if fire and ice dont work then maybe some lightning."
Blue sparks comes from my palm and i use shocking grasp.
lightning crackles over the @Jabberwocky but the majority of the damage is soaked up in its creme brulee.
two big hits from the elven ranger as @Hiawatha stabs at the @Jabberwocky with his candy blades.
@Pinecone takes another scoop with the 'Vorpal Spoon'.
but hits the hard sugary coating.
Leif
I spin like a carnival ride and roar, "I CAST! Holyhide!" - then slash my sword with theatrical flair, like it's the final round of a cooking show judged by a paladin!
twirling and spinning @Leif delivers a mighty blow as 'Shakespeare' glows with a holy aura slashing a deep cut across the @Jabberwocky.
the @Jabberwocky turns looking at @Keera and attacks.
a claw scrapes down @Keeras arm, but the @Jabberwocky is unable to grip her tightly in order to eat her.
Keera
Once again, i use shocking grasp.
the goopy body of the @Jabberwocky again soaks up the majority of the damage from the electric shock.
Andrex
sad at this point andrex slashes out more out of reflex than with any real conviction
@Pinecone takes another scoop out of the @Jabberwocky with the 'Vorpal Spoon'.
but the spoon slips off on the hard caramelized shell.
@Andrex stabs with the 'Cake Knife of Catastrophe' creating a massive wound in the @Jabberwockys stomach.
pieces of the @Jabberwocky are starting to fall away as its body begins to destabilize. its eyes rolling about in its head as it reels from the barrage of blows.
Leif
I continuo in fight with strike on enemy.
"I část! Dance of light!"
Then I start seinging with sword in imaginary music.
a kaleidoscope of colours burst out throughout the vine tunnel and the at the @Jabberwocky cutting its stomach open, out of the @Jabberwocky pours the three blind mice covered in gloopy creme brulee. the @Jabberwockys cellular structure collapses and it sloshes to the ground in a puddle.
Three Blind Mice 1
"One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back."
Three Blind Mice 2
"And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
He chortled in his joy."
Three Blind Mice 3
"Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe."
Three Blind Mice 1
"you saved us again!!"
Three Blind Mice 2
"third time's the charm"
Three Blind Mice 3
"you really are too kind!"
Pinecone
"oh wow look!"
*points at @Three Blind Mice 2s backside*
Three Blind Mice 2
"yes yes I know, we have no tails."
Pinecone
"no not that, it's the key!"
looking at @Three Blind Mice 2 who is now spinning in circles trying to look at its own back, you see the gate key, it is stuck to the back of the mouse in goopy Jabberwocky creme brulee.
Leif
"Its a magic key?" I ask really quickly.
Pinecone
"umm I guess..... it's the flying key we've been chasing and searching for so we can pass by the gate and rescue Acorn!!"
*looks at Leif for some form of recognition that the halfling knows why they are actually here in the first place.*
Leif
"Yes i know...but i am interese in that if that key was magical or someone use a magic on him... that's two points. And! If that magic key is full of magic then I will keep him...for... magical research of course. If not then we just unlock the gate and stick that key into puffy ass of that ugly fat guy with stiffen cheeks and that fatty sausages fingers!" Then I start laughing.
Pinecone
"ooooooh, then yes I guess it is magical, in fact you could say it's a golem of sorts, since The Muffin Man sprinkled powder on it which brought it to life and had us chase its shininess all over the place."
Leif
"Oh... so... we... take a rest and go kick out that go-lem?"
Pinecone
*looks confused*
Pinecone
"let's take the key and open the gate, then we can rescue Acorn...... and I can't see why you can't keep the key..... seems harmless enough."
Leif
"You know... kick him out from this world." I smile. "From this tower? Just kick him?" I shrug with my shoulders. "But first release the lady from golden gate!"
Pinecone
"ooooh The Muffin Man, yes we should kick in the pants for causing us so much trouble."
Three Blind Mice 1
"yes kick him for us as well for being so stingy with the snacks!"
Three Blind Mice 2
"and kick him for always sending cupcakes and gingerbread men to harass us."
Three Blind Mice 3
"yes and kick him because he's not a nice person in general terms."
Leif
"Yea! Magic kick!" I sit in ground and grab the food.
Three Blind Mice 1
"yes! impromptu picnic!"
Three Blind Mice 2
*pulls out a teapot from nowhere which is steaming and looks full*
Three Blind Mice 3
*pulls out teacups from nowhere and places them on a little table which was definitely not there before.*
Keera
*pulls out the porridge pot*
"Cook little pot cook. A little break isnt a bad idea."
by the time the group finishes a short but sweet cup of tea and a bite to eat they feel as if they had rested for hours.
Hiawatha
"The tea is lovely, many thanks. I must say that you three mice do get around. Very curious.
Anyway, where now? Where do we find the Muffin Man?"
Keera
"Now with the key we can go back to the gate and open it. Hopefully @Acorn is fine. I bet that muffin man plans to cook or bake her."
Hiawatha
"Yes, of course, good job. These mice have me troubled. Is one of your names Geoffrey by any chance?! "
Andrex
"Do you guys remember which way we. amen.through the tunnels to get us back?"
Hiawatha
"I can lead us back to the area of the first teaparty, then back through kitchen and dining room.
Unless the mice can *tell* us of a shortcut. They seem to get around!"
Three Blind Mice 1
"yes yes around and around we go"
Three Blind Mice 2
"short paths lead to quick ends"
Three Blind Mice 3
"the size you are and the size you'll be are very different in-between."
Hiawatha
"Very profound." Hi grimaces
Hiawatha
"If it's back the way we came, say when." Hi straightens his gear a bit and gets ready.
Leif
+1 Gilded Key
The party bid the three blind mice a fond farewell and head out of the vine tunnel. The three blind mice wave as you depart wishing you good luck.
Exiting the Vine Tunnel you seem to have reverted to your normal size... more or less, but the greenhouse has not changed other than your perspective of it...... the three blind mice are sitting at the little garden table they are wearing fine attire and fez hats, although still wearing their glasses, and are enjoying a delicious looking high tea, with scones, jam, and cream, and are drinking what looks to be tea from elaborate porcelain teacups.
They wave to you as you enter and head towards the kitchen door.
Hiawatha
"This is the magic door, best I remember." (He waits until they pat him on the shoulder and say go, this time!) (Edited)
Leif
I go around @Hiawatha and slap him in the belly... (I cannot reach his shoulder.) "why are you standing there like salt pillar?" I shake my head in disbelief and go further.
the group wave goodbye again to the mice who eagerly wave back and head into The Kitchen.
as you enter the room you realize you are a lot smaller than you used to be, looking back you see that the Greenhouse seems much larger now.
you have entered The Kitchen there is a large wooden table in the center of the room towering above you like a mountain.
around the room are various stoves, ovens, tables, cabinets, and other kitcheny paraphernalia.
Over by the table you see the three blind mice nibbling on the leftovers from the battle and at present seem to be enjoying a gingerbread man.
they wave as you pass them on your way to The Dining Room door.
Hiawatha
"I'm tellin' you, those mice ain't right!" Hi grumbles from the point...
the group moves on into The Dining Room the mice wave you off as you depart.
as you enter the room everything is a lot smaller than you thought it was from outside the room, or you've gotten bigger, you're unsure.
now that you are bigger you can clearly see the dining table and the exquisite cutlery and crockery laid out.
down the middle of the table are two large jellies glistening in the light of the room.
an orange puddle on the floor parks the location of your previous battle here.
there are large arched windows to your right, looking out you see a beautiful crystal clear lake at the foot of a snowy mountain range.
ahead you see the doorway into the Entry Hall.
Hiawatha
"Ahead I see the doorway to the Entry Hall!"
The party moves into the Entry Hall.
Towards the giant grandfather clock you see the three blind mice enjoying a snack on the cupcake men from your previous battle, they wave and mumble something which you don't understand since their little mouths are full of cupcakes.
ahead the staircase and the gate, beyond the gate you see The Muffin Man who is still slowly floating up the stairs and doesn't look like he's made much progress at all.
he looks back and sees you, a worried look crosses his face, he is clearly sweating from the effort of moving up the stairs.
at the top of the stairs the Gilded Cage Bird has reached a red curtain, it looks back at you chortles and slips behind it disappearing out of sight.
Pinecone
"Acorn!! Hold on we're coming!!"
Hiawatha
"Come on @Leif!" Hi shouts and snatches him up, holding him where he can reach the lock...
Hiawatha
Shaking @Leif, Hi cries, "The key! The key!"
Leif
"Oh! Yes! Sorry!" I grab the key and open the lock.
@Leif unlocks and opens the gate, ahead The Muffin Man slowly floats up the stairs, beyond that the red velvet curtain.
Pinecone
*@Pinecone races forward up the stairs, as he passes The Muffin Man he kicks him in the pants.*
"that's for causing us so much trouble!!"
*and continues on up the stairs towards the curtains.*
The Muffin Man
"uumff*
Hiawatha
Hi also runs after the cage but he stabs the Fat Man with the candy swords on his way past!
@Hiawatha takes a stab at The Muffin Man, but the floating fat man bobs out of the way.
*@The Muffin Man glares at @Hiawatha*
The Muffin Man
"you shouldn't have done that, it's not sportsman like."
*@The Muffin Man reaches into his pouch, pulls out a handful of powder and throws it in @Hiawathas face"
Hiawatha
"It was him!" Hi gestures at @Leif, who is chugging along behind.
Hiawatha
"Oh, no! I'm shrinking!" he cries in dismay
@Hiawathas body starts to contort and he is racked with pain, he drops on the stairs.
he watches in horror as his elegant elvish hands turn furry.
touching his face he feels his nose and jaw elongate into a snout and his ears move further up on his head.
his pants rip as a tail pops out.
he turns in circles trying to see what has happened.
and he realizes he has been transformed into a weasel for his underhanded actions.
+Weasely Hiawatha
Hiawatha
"squeak! squeak! squeak!" Hi curses profanely in weasel...
Hiawatha
"squeak squeak, squeak!" Hi growls. Roughly translated from Weasel, "I'm gonna kill you, Fat Man!"
He then reaches over and swings @Leif up on his back. "Squeak squeak!"
(Hold on!) then bounds after the cage!
Leif
"Wow! How cute you are!" With spreaded arms i am going to @Weasely Hiawatha to lift him.
even in his new form @Weasely Hiawatha is much taller than @Leif.
Leif
"Kinda big...." I pat him on his head when I realise I cannot lift him.
Keera
"You will pay for all of this!"
While running up the stairs, i cast ray of frost to slow him down.
Leif
When Ray of Frost flew past my head, I stopped cuddling with @Weasely Hiawatha and drew my sword Shakespeare.
"Even if it's cuter this way, fatso, you'll still be punished! @Hiawatha I choose you!" Then I point on @The Muffin Man.
"@Weasely Hiawatha dash attack!"
Andrex
"Rrmm guys hes just turned Hiawatha into a weasel fof attacking him do you really think we should? hes pretty slow lets just run past him"
Leif
"Eat him!" I trying to give orders to @Weasely Hiawatha. And point on the fatman.
@Pinecone arrives at the curtain and slips behind it.
@Keera casts her ray of frost at @The Muffin Man who easily bobs out of the way.
The Muffin Man
"oh dear do be careful on the stairs when they are icy and slippery."
*he grabs a hand full of powder from his pouch and tosses it at @Keera.*
@Keera begins to feel very cold and her joints stiffen, eventually stopping all together as she watches in terror as frost begins to accumulate on her body.
Keera
"If it isn't the consequences of my own actions."
Andrex
andrex just runs past him and through the curtain.
@Andrex disappears behind the curtain.
@Keera fights against the freezing, but she is still immobilised on the staircase.
Hiawatha
"Help me, you crazy little F****r!" says the weasel to Lief as he tries to drag/carry Keera up and through the curtains...
@Keera fights against the freezing, but she is still immobilised, as @Weasely Hiawatha and @Leif try to carry her up the staircase to the curtain.
Hiawatha
The Heroic Weasel struggles valiantly to drag his fallen camrade to safety, a Shining example of Chivalry!
@Hiawatha and @Leif pick up the frozen @Keera and make their way up the staircase.
as they reach the top @The Muffin Man is at the curtain he floats forward but bounces back like a balloon hitting a wall.
The Muffin Man
"oh no oh no oh no!"
as @Weasely Hiawatha and @Leif reach the curtain @Keera finds the strength within herself and defrosts, her skin has turned a pale blue and is cold to the touch, perhaps a side effect from being frozen.
Keera
"brrr, so cold. Thanks for carrying me."
The Muffin Man
"oh umm wait, maybe we can play a new game you don't have to go through the curtain right this minute do you!?"
Hiawatha
(the weasel makes an obscene gesture with his paw before disappearing behind the curtain.)
Hiawatha
Once through the curtain, Hi hugs @Keera, warming her with his fur coat. Then he gives her a big, slobbery lick across the face just to make sure she's ok!
@Leif and @Keera also disappear behind the curtain leaving the Entrance Hall and @The Muffin Man behind. As they do they hear him wailing in the distance.
The Muffin Man
"wait nooo come back, it was a silly game! let's play something else!"
Moving through the red velvet curtains the party emerges on the other side into darkness bumping into each other and almost falling over in a heap.
