not-so-newguy
Legend
INTRA-PARTY STRIFE
The group left for Yester Hill to confront the Gulthias Tree.
While traveling along the road to get there, Mamol spotted a human in the distance hiding in the woods. Moss sensed the ambient forest sounds quieting, as if a predator was nearby. Their thoughts went immediately to Escher’s warning about Volenta’s plan to ambush the party because of their destruction of the Old Windmill and her Dream Cakes business but nothing else happened.
The Gang reached Yester Hill, arriving at the north end of the area. The Hill lay to the south, and the Gulthias Tree stood beyond it on the opposite side (approximately 600-800 feet away or 200-250 meters). It was a typical foggy day in Barovia, and visibility was limited.
Moss convinced the rest of the Gang that it would be best if he and Smugly investigated the Gulthias Tree first and then returned. So the pair traveled to the other side of Yester Hill, where the Gulthias Tree was located, beyond the rest of the Gang’s sight and hearing.
At the south end of the hilltop stood a sickly copse, a grove of dead trees and shrubs with a huge, misshapen tree at its core. Blood oozed like sap from its twisted trunk. There was also a three-foot scar in this trunk, surrounded by a dozen small branches. Smugly and Moss remembered that the Scar could open up into a fiery maw if the Tree became agitated. Embedded in the base of the tree was a shiny battleaxe, beneath which lay a humanoid skeleton.
Moss and Smugly approached the tree. As Smugly readied his Burning Hands spell, Moss attacked Smugly.
Moss had never forgotten the insult dealt to him when his former mates decided to destroy the Gulthias Staff several weeks prior. Unbeknownst to anyone, the Gulthias Tree had promised the druid another enchanted Gulthias Staff if he sacrificed one of his companions. Sacrificing Smugly would grant him revenge on his former party and he would gain the magical staff. His Lawful Evil heart delighted in the efficiency of this win-win situation.
Moss tried to surprise Smugly, but it did not work. They ended up fighting one-on-one, with nobody around to intervene. The Gulthias Tree animated, its scar opened into a fiery maw, and the surrounding branches began to writhe.
“PUT HIM IN MY MAW,” the tree demanded of Moss. The negligently powerful staff would soon be his! Muah, haha!
Smugly begged Moss to stop, but Moss ignored him. Then Smugly decided to run back to the rest of the Gang, and the chase began. Moss shapeshifted into a giant eagle and outpaced the swift Monk, who kept running despite being harassed by beak and claw. By the time Smugly came within sight of the Gang, he was nearly depleted of Hit Points. They attacked the giant eagle, who subsequently shapeshifted back to Moss.
Knowing he was doomed at this point, Moss pleaded his case to the Gang with half-truths and lies. It did not work. Moss was killed on the spot, and his body was burned to prevent him from becoming more fodder for Strahd’s mob of undead.
Elyrion stabilized Smugly. Upon returning to consciousness, the Dragonborn had a spiritual awakening. He forsook his selfish values and vowed to the rest of the Gang that he would follow the “Harper Way.” The Harpers deputized Smugly as an honorary Harper.
“I am honored to be a part of your faction. Can’t wait to join in on your Harper Huddles!”
Mamol smiled at the Dragonborn. “Thanks, Smugly, but Harper Huddles are for managers only. We will let you know when there's an all-hands meeting.”
Illustration for clarity:
That’s when Blalach appeared.
“Blalach!” The Gang cheered.
“Damn it, I was getting a foot massage.”
After some discussion on what to do next, the Gang decided to destroy the Gulthias Tree. The Gang, with the help of Blalach, easily defeated the Gulthias Tree and its Blights.
