] Four Tendays have passed. The Daystar no longer lingers as long in the sky and colors of the Wealdath have begun to brighten. The three of you have spent your time at Treyvigg monastery well, gaining skills and experience as well as friends and allies. You have grown to love and respect the blind sworddragon, Olilrasi, and she has become very attached to you. In recent days, she has begun to be able to hear you walking and recognize you each by your unique gait. She often calls a greeting and waves at you from surprising distances even though she cannot see.
] You have only one tenday left in Treyvigg Monastery before you begin your journey back to Song Moon Temple with Teacher Solomvar’s Summertide Rose wine. Your daily lessons with the monastery’s Guide teachers are productive and enjoyable. Each of you have learned new Feats.
] Yisi, you have learned the Keen Defender feat:
When taking the Dodge (or Patient Defense) and you are attacked within melee range, an attack of opportunity is possible. If the attack succeeds, the damage is halved. If the attack fails by 5 or more, you gain an attack of opportunity with your Reaction.
You have also spent much time in practice with your poetry and your calligraphy skills and you now have double-profiency with the Calligraphers Supplies. You have also spent many hours with with the monastery’s head scribe, Guide Greenhill. The aging Genasi has taught you how to make various types of ink, including common colored ink, waterproof ink, invisible ink and even a few basics on using special materials to create enchanted ink – although you have much training to go before you can effectively write your poetry with enchanted ink.
] Valea, you too have learned the Keen Defender feat from your daily participation in lessons. Additionally, you have spent waking hours every forenoon practicing flow forms on the overlook with Guide Dawndra. You have learned the Heavens Orbit feat. This feat enhances your ki generation. If you spend at least 30 minutes in flow form practice during the early hours, you gain additional ki points equal to proficiency bonus.
The extra energy from your Heavens Orbit practice has allowed you to spend the hours after lessons training with Fable. She has taught you the Fierce Mobility feat:
Focusing ki to bolster your speed gives you additional benefits to your movement. On your turn as a Bonus action, you may spend one ki point to activate and start concentrating on Fierce Mobility.
Your speed increases by 10 feet while Fierce Mobility is active.
Dash becomes a Bonus Action while Fierce Mobility is active. While dashing, difficult terrain doesn’t cost you extra movement on that turn.
You can easily move through a dangerous melee. You do not provoke attacks of opportunity while Fierce Mobility is active.
For every ten feet of your movement speed you use on your turn, you may add a d4 to the damage of your next successful strike.
Fierce Mobility is active for a minute or until you take any damage.
] Joloobo, you have spent most of your time over the last 4 tendays out in the Vale of Soxolone. You have been training under Guide Cawtris Wildpath, a Half-elf from the eastern Yuirwood forest. She has taught you much about tracking, trapping and hunting as well as reading the signs of nature and weather. You have gained the Survivalist feat. Wisdom is increased by +1, you gain an extra proficiency in Survival skill and the Nature skill. You also have advantage on all Dexterity (Stealth) checks when in an outdoor setting.
Guide Wildpath has helped you in tracking the Fire Troll’s activity. Twice since you entered the mining tunnels beyond the cliff wall crevasse, you have discovered fresh tracks. It appears to be doing some hunting of its own. You found evidence of a deer that had been fed upon like a beast might, but with scorch marks on its hide. You have been trying to devise a method of trapping the fire troll as it leaves the mountain.
] It is shortly before the forenight meal when Aide Camarie approaches you in the courtyard with two Moon Elves. She introduces them as Elder Arrodon and Elder Thaola.
] Elder Arrodon “I am pleased that Solomvar sent his favorite students to us. I hope your stay has been pleasant and fruitful?”
Yisi] I bow to both elders. “Indeed it has Elder Arrodon, thank you.”
Valea] Also bowing… “This is sad to think of our departing in a tenday. Teacher Solomvar will surely be awaiting our return, and a fresh keg of wine, otherwise… Valea would extend her time with you.”
] Elder Arrodon “Solomvar should not be without his wine.” He says smiling. “But you are welcome to return to us anytime you like.” He turns to Elder Thaola. “Thaola, I believe we have a special batch to share with Solomvar?”
] Elder Thaola “Yes, we should share some of the Bright Bracer. How is Solomvar? I’ve not seen him since… well, since a long time ago.”
Valea] “Teacher Solomvar is well. We were honored that he chose us to visit you. He extends the same offer to your students.”
] Elder Arrodon “Yes, of course. I will confer with the other elders and select two students to return with you.”
] Olilrasi comes running up. “May I be considered father? Please?”
] Elder Arrodon “Rasi! How I have missed you!” He steps in and embraces the blind white dragonborn. “Of course you may be considered. Have you been well?”
] Olilrasi “Yes father, except for missing you. Yisi and Valea have become friends. Oh, and Joloobo too…. When he is not playing in the Vale”
Joloobo] “Nice to be an afterthought if nothing else.” I try to add a quick smile … afraid my quip might be taken too sharply.
] Elder Arrodon “Joloobo, I am pleased to meet you as well. You do not strike me as a student of the Song Moon Temple.”
Joloobo] “That is probably because I am not. Though I’m not saying would not like to be, that is, no offense intended. I mean…”
Yisi] “Joloobo the Troll-Hunter became a fast friend on our way here. We ran into some trouble with forest trolls within the Wealdath and he joined the conflict just in time.”
Elder Arrodon] “Troll-Hunter? Strange profession for a gnome, though you do not seem a typical sort of gnome do you?”
Joloobo] “The Wealdath has been plagued with trolls these last few years, I am merely protecting my home. And, I suppose, making some coin in the process. You seem to have your own trouble with a troll in the vale. I’ve been trying to find a way to track it and trap it.”
] Elder Arrodon turns to Aide Camarie “A troll in the Vale of Soxolone? This is the first I am hearing of this?”
Joloobo] “Not just any troll good ser. You have a fire troll hunting in your peaceful forest. It seems to have developed a taste for deer. Comes from a crevasse in the cliff wall it does. Can’t say for sure what it means… but I would hazard a guess of molten areas under the Small Teeth again.”
] Elder Arrodon “Yet more trouble from the depths. Thank you for your efforts Joloobo. Guide Wildpath should be informed.”
Joloobo] “Indeed she is Ser. Cawtris has been helping me track the vale. She knows what I know and then much more.”
] Elder Arrodon “Good then. We shall keep the troll on the list of troubles then.” he turns to you Yisi. “Young Adorinn… You bear your fathers strength well.”
Yisi] “You knew my father?”
] Elder Arrodon “Yes. I spent many years with both of your parents in facts. Vhann and Vina were revered among us and I was honored to call them friends.” He looks down at the Trisula along your outer thighs. “Your weapons are strikingly similar to your fathers sword. How did you come upon them?”
Yisi] “The Trisula were my fathers, I am told.” I pull them out and offer them to Elder Arrodon. “They are all I have to know him by. You say he also had a sword?”
] Elder Arrodon inspects the weapons but does not touch them. “Yes. It was precisely the shape only much larger. The very same needle points. I dare say, the same amazing Black Mithril material. I can only guess that these two were once one, or Vhann’s sword had children of its own. Amazing.”
Yisi] “Can you tell me anything of what happened to my parents?”
] Elder Arrodon “We last shared company long before you were born. I imagine Solomvar has already told you all that I might know. They received call from Arvandor to hurry to its defense. The realm still stands so they were successful, but no word has ever reached me of their fate. That both Vhann and Vina remain missing is actually an encouragement to me. It means they are likely together.”
Yisi] “Then… you think they may still yet live?”
] Elder Arrodon “The outer planes contain many mysteries. What passes as 30 years here in the material plane could be 30 days there, or 30 thousand. They indeed may still live. I am puzzled by your possession of Nightpiercer however. As I recall, the sword has been passed down within the Adorinn family for many generations. This weapon, or perhaps some form of it, has been wielded by many generations of your forebearers. It’s origins lost to time. Even the smithing method used to make the metal is unknown. I recall a battle with your father… a long time ago… we were overwhelmed and both of us nearly killed. An enemy wrestled Nightpiercer from your fathers hands as he lay nearly unconscious. I thought it my delusional imagination at the time…. But the needle sword turned into a lump of stone, as if it was refusing to be used by any other than an Adorinn. Have you ever had such an experience with it?”
Yisi] “I have not. But then… No one has ever tried to take them from me. But my Trisula are clearly enchanted. When I was young and my arms were much shorter, the tip would reach just to my elbow when held in defense. My arms are much longer today, but still… ” I flip the trisula around in both hands… “they match the length of my forearms perfectly. They also have the power to shroud me in darkness.” I demonstrate Shadow Shroud.
] Elder Arrodon “Now that is impressive. I witnessed your father perform feats which could only be explained by magic, but never so blatantly magic. I find myself curious… Does the darkness extend from the weapons themselves or from you? Stand still a moment and hold both out to one side.”
Yisi] I hold both Trisula in my left hand and hold them out to my left side.
] The Shadow Shroud moves to your left side, centered on the weapon.
] Elder Arrodon “Now hold your right arm out… Will it escape the shroud?”
Yisi] “I have never tried this… I find myself curious as well.”
] As you lift your right arm, the cloud of darkness expands to envelop all of you.
] Elder Arrodon “It is obviously attuned to you. Very powerful magic this is. It will likely grow stronger with you as you continue your training.”
Yisi] “Forgive me if I am being nosy… but at the mention of the Fire Troll, you said something about ‘more trouble from the depths’, what other kinds of trouble has their been?”
] Elder Arrodon “The very worst kind… to be honest. A dragon.”
Valea] “Dragon! Teacher Solomvar warned Valea to hurry in a direction away from any dragon.”
] Elder Arrodon “This is not just any dragon I fear… I just returned from Candlekeep trying to identify this particular blue dragon. Sharpfangs is an Ancient Dragon. But she has not been seen before the Spellplague. Most assume she did not survive it. I believe she is actually trapped in the solid rock beneath Treyvigg Monastery.”
] Elder Thaola “This should remain secret Arrodon.”
] Elder Arrodon “Of course you are right Thaola – on a number of levels, this must stay very quiet. Please do not share this knowledge?”
Yisi] “Understood. You have my word – it will remain confidential.”
Valea] “This one agrees to know nothing of what is said here.”
Joloobo] “Dragon you say? Trapped in solid rock? Who would believe me if I told them! But of course – secrets must sometimes be kept. Besides… with only one exception… these two are my only friends.”
] Olilrasi “Count me too! That is… count me among your friends Joloobo… and also – count me a silent witness to whatever is said in confidence. Father… who was Sharpfangs?”
] Elder Arrodon “Sharpfangs is just a nickname for very powerful Blue Dragon by the name of Iryklathagra. It was once common knowledge that the Small Teeth is where she kept her lair. Many have gone looking for the lair in the past hundred years, surely it would contain an immense hoard. To my knowledge, it has never been found.”
Yisi] “But you say you found Sharpfangs in solid rock? Perhaps the lair is also buried in the same manner?”
] Elder Arrodon “Possible. No evidence to prove it so yet.”
Valea] “Valea is curious how such a beast was discovered within solid rock under a mountain? Magic?”
] Elder Thaloa “Ahh… well that is answer is going to lead to another secret, and one which we are not ready to share.”
] Aide Camarie “Pardon but forenight meal is ready.”
] The three of you follow Aide Camarie and the two Elders of Treyvigg Monastery into the dining hall and enjoy a hearty meal in silence. After forenight meal, what do each of you do with the evening?
Yisi] I excuse myself to spend some time writing. The conversation about my parents has words swirling in my soul and desire to ink them.
Valea] I will seek out Fable and spend some time in practice with her.
Joloobo] I will spend some time with my new friend Rasi.
] The sun is already shielded by the surrounding mountains by the time you finish eating and there is about an hour of twilight ahead. Yisi spends several hours in the Temple to Dunea writing with Calligraphy set. Valea and Fable spend time in the courtyard. Fable reveals that she calls Ashabenford home and that her mother still lives there. She is a locally famous dancer in the Velvet Veils tavern. Fable says she likes to dance herself… but is uncomfortable with the idea of dancing in front of others… especially drunken others. While the two of you are talking, Guide Dawndra walks over.
] Dawndra “Greetings friends. Valea, I hear you and Yisi will be leaving us soon?”
Valea] “Just a tenday remaining. This one is sad to leave new friends, but home will feel like warm sands.”
] Fable “You will return to us won’t you? Say you will?”
Valea] “Valea will count days till she sees you all again. We were told by our teacher that one or more may return with us and visit our Song Moon Temple for a time.”
] Dawndra “Yes, I was to be a candidate to visit your home Valea, but I will be leaving on another journey. In fact, I expect to depart in a tenday – the same day you and Yisi head for home.”
Valea] “Where will Guide Dawndra go?”
] Dawndra “I travel to the far north, to a place called Icewind Dale. They have an annual competition there called the Frozenfar Fray Games. Teacher Riandyl was in the competion several years age and has encouraged me to test my skills against the mighty barbarians of the north.”
] Fable “I am certain you will win… but it does sound dangerous.”
] Dawndra “Just traveling to Tentowns is a dangerous endeavor I hear. The games bring clerics from The Winter Palace to heal those wounded – at least in the first two rounds of competition. The third round is… well… interesting…”
Valea] “What does white tower mean?”
] Dawndra “Do you know anything about hunting Frost Trolls?”
Valea] “This one does not… but our pocket-high friend Joloobo… he surely knows about Hunting Trolls. Talk with him and see.”
] Dawndra “I will indeed. The third round involves 3 days of hunting in the mountain ranges for a Frost Troll.”
] Fable “I’m so excited for you! What will you do with your winnings?”
] Dawndra “I will share them with my friend Fable on Rockwall.” She smiles. “And the rest of my home friends.”
Valea] “This one wishes you bright moons Dawndra. Valea wants to say also… thank you for being a teacher superb. This one will practice every day and make white tower proud to be her friend too.”
] Joloobo goes looking for Rasi and sees her practicing sword kata in the Backyard under a large tree. Before you get within 40 feet of her, she somehow senses your approach and sheathes her sword back into her walking stick. “Hi Joloobo!”
Joloobo] “Hi Rasi. I didn’t mean to interupt your practice.”
] Rasi “I have already practiced plenty today, but I’ve not spent any time with my friend Joloobo! How are you? How goes the hunt for the Fire Troll in the valley?”
Joloobo] “We have found more sign, but so far I’m unable to determine any patterns in its hunting. I believe it surfaces about once a tenday. This troll seems much smarter than the average troll, and larger too. From damage I’ve found on a few trees in its path it must be at least 13 feet high… over twice as tall as you and probably 4 or 5 times taller than me.”
] Rasi “Wow! What will you do if you find it?”
Joloobo] “I keep asking myself the same question. I don’t even know if I can extract blood from a fire troll… fire or acid are the main weapons against the trolls in my forest… I’m just guessing that this creature will not care about either. Without knowing where it is weak, or even if it has any weaknesses… I may be foolish to fight with it.”
] Rasi “Now that father, I mean… Arrodon, is back, he will think of something. I’m quite certain Soxolone does not want a Fire Troll wandering around his forest… they will find a way.”
Joloobo] “Yes, I am certain we will. Say… Rasi… did you mean what you said about calling you friend?”
] Rasi “Of course I did! ”
Joloobo] “I would like for you to call me friend also. Rayni says I need some friends.”
] Rasi “Rayni is certainly correct… Who is Rayni?”
Joloobo] “Rayni is… er… well…”
] Rasi interupts you and points over towards the northern cliff wall “Wait… Someone is coming towards us. Who is that!? ” You see a female deep gnome running directly your way. She is carrying a long staff over her shoulder.
Joloobo] “It is a gnome, a deep gnome, coming from the storage shed.”
] Rasi pulls her sword from her cane. “On your guard, I sense something… I sense danger.”
Joloobo] “Let us see.” I begin to walk towards the deep gnome. “Greetings friend!” I yell towards her.
[()]
] Still about 60 feet away, the deep gnome pauses for a moment and drops the staff down to both hands. Behind you Rasi makes a loud gasping noise. Joloobo – you are struck with Arcane Bolt and take 26 damage (Massive Dmg). You feel like you took the entire blow with your face and the world around you begins to spin. Con Save
Joloobo]
1d20 Con Save 1 Crit fail
] You fall unconscious.
Appreciation & Collaboration
] Yisi and Valea are currently in their room. Joloobo is laying unconscious in the grass of the Backyard behind the monastery. A couple of hours have passed. It is quite dark when you awake, you can barely move and everything is blurry. You slowly remember what happened.
Joloobo] “Rasi! Rasi are you there?” I try to look around.
] You think you see a figure lying on the ground near where you last remember seeing Rasi.
Joloobo] I try to stand and walk over to the figure. [Str check]
1d20 Strength 8 +0 = 8
] Your legs are too weak to actually stand up. You crawl over to the figure and see that it is the deep gnome that attacked you. There is no sign of the staff she was carrying and no sign of Rasi.
Joloobo] I start crawling towards the monastery buildings… calling for help.
] You make it about halfway when some students and an aide soon hear you and come running. They help you to the temple of Dunea and wake Elder Ysthorn. He heals you with a blessing as much as he can (4d4)
Joloobo]
4d4 3 +3 +1 +4 = 11 HP restored (12 total)
] Elder Ysthorn “You have been severely hurt Joloobo. Can you tell me what happened?”
Joloobo] “Rasi is missing! We have to find her! Call for Yisi and Valea. We have to start searching.”
] Moments later, Elder Arrodon enters the temple and begins to question you Joloobo. “Start from the beginning… what happened?”
Joloobo] “Rasi was practicing her sword forms in the Backyard, not too far away from the storage shed along the northern cliff. We had just started to talk when she sensed someone coming. Actually she said she sensed danger… I turned and saw a deep gnome, a woman deep gnome, running towards us carrying a long staff. It was twice her height at least, if not more. She used it, I think… to blast me. The world spun away. When I woke up, Rasi was gone but the deep gnome was there. Oh! Hey! The deep gnome was still there unconscious! Be careful though. I don’t know where that staff is, she may still be very dangerous.”
] Elder Arrodon “You say this deep gnome had come from the storage shed?”
Joloobo] “Yes. I think there must be some kind of portal enterance there somewhere… Many days ago I watched three other gnomes walk into the shed and just disappear.”
] Elder Arrodon “You saw this and did not tell anyone?”
Joloobo] “Who am I going to tell? None of my business really… I thought at the time. Could be normal – what would I know different?”
] Elder Arrodon “Indeed. Well it is somewhat normal these recent days, and it is somewhat of a secret too. Tell me more about this staff?”
Joloobo] “It was big. Even for a human or an elf, I would think it very large. I never got a good look at it. The deep gnome was still a good distance away when she used it to kill me, or nearly. If it had markings or what I would not know. I don’t think it was made of wood though… it was sort of a colored white… alabastery if that makes sense.”
] Elder Arrodon “Maybe it does… I have to wonder if the gnomes uncovered the Staff of Shoon. If they did, the entire Sword Coast may be in danger.”
] Yisi and Valea – the two of you are awakened by an aide wearing the red and white robes of the monastery. He tells you that your gnome friend has been injured and is in the temple with Elder Ysthron.
Yisi] We hurry to the temple.
] You see Elder Arrodon and Elder Ysthorn there speaking with Joloobo. He does not appear badly injured, but both elders look overly concerned. Some students carry in an unconscious female gnome with dark skin.
Joloobo] “That is her! She is the one that blasted me! Keep watch on her!”
] Elder Ysthorn begins praying over the deep gnome. She begins to stir. Moments later her eyes open and she looks around in a panic. “Wha… what… where am I? what happened?” Elder Arrodon begins to question her. She calms down enough to explain that she was digging… “far away from the discovery of the dragon” she makes a point of saying, when she discovered what looked like a very large talon. Not certain what she was seeing, carved out a bit more rock and behind the giant claw she found a material she had never seen before, “like a colorful milk” she says. She tried to clear a little more of the rock and dirt away when her hands touched the mysterious material. That was the very last thing she remembers.
] “I must consult with the other elders” says Arrodon, then he turns and starts to leave and then turns back. “At first light we send out tracking parties to find Rasi… I hope our visitors will be willing to help in the search.” he says, looking at you three.
Valea] “Of course. Valea will certainly help.”
Yisi] “Indeed we will. Joloobo – are you fit to start tracking?
] Elder Arrodon says to one of the nearby aides. “Wake Guide Wildpath and Guide Dawndra. Inform them we need to build search parties before light arrives.” With that, he leaves the temple.
] A short while later, three search parties are fully formed. Guide Wildpath leading one, Fable leading the second and Joloobo – you are to lead Yisi and Valea along with Guide Dawndra. You are each given 3 healing potions (4d4) and blessed by Elder Ysthorn (2d8 Temporary HP) for the task ahead.
] The sky begins to light, though it will be some time before you see the sun creep over the edge of the cliff walls of the valley. Guide Wildpath has identified the tracks of Rasi leading into the Vale of Soxolone. They are easy to follow for a short while and then the suddenly disappear, as if Rasi took to wing or stepped into a portal.
] Joloobo “That staff she has is more powerful than a trolls uppercut… no tellin’ what magic it might be capable of. ”
] Guide Wildpath “We must assume something at this point… We can assume Rasi is somehow beyond following… or we can assume her trail might be picked up again. For her sake and for Elder Arrodon, I shall assume we can still find her.”
Valea] “This one agrees. Hope is to be held tightly for as long as ones fingers might have strength to hold.”
Yisi] “Remind me to write that one down… after we get Rasi safely home.”
Valea] “Valea will forget her words knife-ear. But let us not forget hope.”
] The three parties spread wide and enter deeper into the Vale of Soxolone. Hours go by without picking up any tracks. Your group is now in a thick pocket of large trees not far from the lake where Rrellette had nearly brought you to a watery end.
Yisi] “Is it possible the water wight has Rasi?”
] You all hear from above you a deep echoey voice say “Looking for someone? Someone who cannot look for themselves?”
Yisi] I startle and look up, hands to my weapons in case of ambush. “Who is there?”
] The voice questions “Who is always there? What would the elf do with the knowing of who is there?”
] Guide Dawndra says “Relax your stance Yisi. I believe this to be the master of this valley.” then she looks up. “We are honored to hear your voice Soxolone. ”
] The tree tops all seem to shuffle around, as if to get a better view of the scene below. Soxolone says “Why have we not spoken before my white giant? ”
] Guide Dawndra “I don’t have a good answer for you Soxolone. It has been assumed among us that only Elder Arrodon is ever granted an audience with you.”
] Soxolone “How is Arrodon these past moons?”
Yisi] “Today he is worried. The blind dragonborn girl is dear to him, and we are in your forest today to find her and bring her home to Arrodon.”
] Soxolone says “Why not hurry to it then? Why not, indeed, begin to look where you cannot see?” Several large branches above you shift and all point in a single direction towards the northern cliff.
Joloobo] “We should be looking where we cannot see? Is that… in the dark? Are you pointing to the valley edge? The caverns! Should we look within the caverns beyond the cliff wall crevasse?”
] Soxolone says “Why would I lead you to waste looking time anywhere you would not find?”
] Guide Dawndra says “Thank you for your guidance at this critical hour. You have our gratitude. We shall hurry to it.”
] Giving wide berth to the lake of Rrellette, you return to the crevasse where Joloobo unwillingly spent a night a while back. Joloobo, you easily spot fresh sign of Rasi leading into the crevasse in the wall.
Joloobo] “There… Rasi came through here and entered into the crevasse. Don’t go into the room on the right… and watch for spiders… this place was swarming with them before.” I slip into the caverns.
] Guide Dawndra says “This may be where I go find the others and alert them to our discovery. I am quite confident I will not fit into the entrance, and the other parties need to know we have picked up fresh tracks here.”
Yisi] “Understood. We have no idea how far into the mountain these tunnels go. Our last time here was, thankfully, very short.” I enter into the crevasse.
Valea] I bow to Guide Dawndra and enter behind Yisi.
] The three of you squeeze through the crack in the massive cliff wall until it opens into an old mining tunnel. To your right there is a long hallway which you all recall being a dead end and a trap. The your left, the tunnel turns deeper into the mountain.
Yisi] “Should we check the trap? Perhaps Rasi is there, just sitting and waiting for rescue like Joloobo was…”
Joloobo] I search the ground for fresh sign.
1d20 8 +4 = 12 [Success]
] You see footprints you recognize as Rasi’s on both sides of you, one set leading down towards the dead end and the other deeper into the tunnels.
Joloobo] “She went both ways. We can check the trap but my guess is she did not fall for it. I know she is blind… but she somehow sees more than the rest of us.”
Valea] “Wait here for Valea.” I run down the tunnel to the right.
Joloobo] “Remember not to cross the threshold into the room… it is one-way only!”
] You get down to the end of the tunnel and peer into the large chamber. You see no one.
Valea] “Rasi! Is dragon-girl there?”
] Your voice echoes around the chamber but you hear no other reply.
Valea] I run back to Yisi and Joloobo. “Short-pockets was correct… empty room.”
Yisi] We follow to the left.
] The mining tunnel to the left turns right and then follows a straight path for about 200 feet. Along the way you see more debris and a few aging bones. The tunnel is thick with webs except for a center path that has been recently cleared. At the end, the tunnel opens into another large chamber.
Joloobo] “Careful… It may be another trapped room.” I slowly look inside from the tunnel.
] The room is swarming throughout with small spiders. They either don’t notice you or don’t care about you. The chamber is similar in size to the first but it has years and years of webbing filling the upper spaces. There is another exit on the left side (Eastern) of the room. Up in the ceiling, you see a giant spider that appears caught in its own web except that it is not trying to get free… it is in fact motionless except for the thousands of smaller spiders which are swarming all over it.
Joloobo] Do I see any fresh humanoid corpses in the room?
] There are many ancient bones and cocoon shapes around the chamber, but none of which appear recent.
Joloobo] “It would seem that giant spider was no match for Rasi… or whatever has control of Rasi.”
Yisi] “Let me enter first.” I attempt to activate Shadow Shroud and then search the room for dangers.
[DM Note: I designed Shadow Shroud to work with a Stealth check. If there is another creature to hide from, a dice roll may be required but if there is no one to hide from… hiding is automatic. ]
] A cloud of magical darkness surrounds you as you enter the room. The swarm of spiders remains focused on the giant spider hanging dead in its own web 12 feet above. The smell of something like rot fills the dank air. You do not detect any traps or other dangers.
Yisi] I whisper to Valea and Joloobo… “I think it is ok to follow” and I cross the room slowly towards the exit on the right.
] Crossing under ancient wooden support beams, you enter a wide open area with low ceilings. Only Joloobo can stand fully upright. There are many small crates and barrels and other debris to indicate that this was once an active mine, once long ago. From where you are it is difficult to determine but it appears to open up in several directions .
Joloobo] I take a quick peek inside some of the crates and barrels.
] Most are completely empty but in one small crate you see several small uncut gems. [4 Green Spinels – approx 50gp each]
Joloobo] “Hey, there are still some gems laying around this place. ”
Valea] “Gems cannot help Rasi yes?”
Joloobo] “No… but it is an interesting fact. If these mines have been explored since they were active… I would not find a handful of loose gems just lying about.”
Yisi] “Worth noting Joloobo. However there very well could be explorers which care nothing for a few measely gems… like that giant spider behind us. And what of all the dead fellows you shared a room with for a night? ”
Joloobo] “Point taken.” I drop the gems in my pocket anyway.
] As you go deeper into the dank hollow you see the complex extends further to the right and you see a tiny tunnel directly ahead – one even Joloobo would have to crawl through.
Valea] “This one hopes the trail does not lead into the hole.”
Yisi] “Unlikely, but let us remember it is there yes?” We continue to the right.
[()] [an ochre jelly detects party and begins to follow behind them, oozing along in the corner where the wall meets the ceiling.]
] You are in a tunnel with low ceilings. Ahead you see several doorways with rotting wood beams branching to the left and right of the tunnel. As you pass and look inside each, they appear to be small exploratory dig sites leading nowhere. One of the rooms on the left appears to have been used as storage. You see more crates and barrels but these are somewhat neatly stacked and unbroken.
] As you are looking into the storage room, Valea you feel something drip down onto you and it begins to burn. You take 3 acid damage.
Valea] I yelp “Agh! What is it!? Look out!” I run several steps away and look back to see what fell on me.
] You see yellow blob moving thinly across the low ceiling. It is still above Yisi and Joloobo.
Valea] “Move quickly!”
| Init |
Char |
Ac |
Hp |
Atk |
| 21 |
Joloobo |
18 |
37 |
+6 1d6 +4 |
| 15 |
Ochre Jelly |
8 |
45 37 29 20 7 |
+4 2d6 +2 Blg +3 acid |
| 6 |
Yisi |
18 |
34 |
+7 2d4 +5 |
| 5 |
Valea |
18 |
37 34 |
+7 2d4 +5 |
Joloobo] “I listen to Valea and leap towards her while reading my psychic blades. I turn and attack, throwing my psychic blades at the blob on the ceiling
1d20 Attack 4 +6 = 10 [hit] Dmg (1d6) 4 +4 = 8
1d20 Attack 9 +6 = 15 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 4 +4 = 8
] Colorful blades flash from your hands and pierce the jelly, illuminating it briefly in the dark tunnel. It then drops down from the ceiling between where Yisi is, still in shadow and you two. With a large section of itself it attempt to mallet Joloobo [()] but you are able to step back out of the way.
Yisi] I attempt to spot any weakness in the blog and then I attack
1d20 Medical 14 [Fail DC 26]
2d20a Attack 10 +7 [Hit] Dmg (2d4) 4 + 5 = 9
] Your daggers plunge deeply into the ooze with little resistance. There is, however, no indication that the creature could even feel the attack.
Valea] “Ugh! Slime monster must die!” I yell as I attack with my Basto Sticks
1d20 Attack 14 +7 = 21 [Hit] Dmg (2d4) 6 +5 +2 = 13
1d20 Attack 8 +7 = 15 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 3 +5 = 8
]
] You have been walking North towards Neverwinter for the past several hours after leaving Helms Hold this Waking. You were in Helms Hold for several days exploring the city. You spent your last gold piece on a few supplies at the Heartward market befort departing for your next destination.
You have spent the last many months essentially wandering after you left your monastery, the Abbey Ironwall, in the Dragon Coast. You have lived your entire 24 years of life in the Abbey, dedicated to training in the Way of the Metallon Fist. You have a calling upon you to become an Abbot in a monastery of your own, but the path to becoming an Abbot involves an Undertaking. It may be years before you are able to discover your Undertaking, and then more years before you understand how you are to fulfill it. It was suggested by your teacher that a slow pilgrimage along the Sword Coast may be as good a starting point as any, so you travelled on foot from the Abbey (Near the ruins of Starmantle) to Baldur’s Gate and then North through Waterdeep, having spent time exploring the coast and its people.
You are on your way to Neverwinter with the same purpose… to see what you see and to meet who you meet.
] The sun is high and the sky is blue. The High Road runs alongside miles of cliffs which drop more than a 100 feet down to the shoreline of the Sea of Swords. The breeze flowing up and over the high walls is warm and salty. As you are walking, you see a glimmer in the sky less than a mile ahead. At first it looks like just a ball of light but you can see it begin to spin until a hole opens up in the center of it. Two people topple out of it as if rolling downhill. You see their bodies land right along the edge of the cliff.
Deynn] I run to where I saw the people fall out of the sky.
] It takes you just several minutes to reach the spot below from where you saw the portal open up. There is no sign of the ones who fell out of it along the edge of the cliff.
Deynn] I kneel at the edge and begin looking down along the bottom of the cliffs.
] It is nearly a hundred feet to the narrow shoreline below. A glint catches your eye among the rocks. It looks like a reflection off of steel. Waves are rolling up onto the rocks so it is difficult to see and you suspect tide may be rising.
Deynn] I look for a safe pathway down to the shore. [Perception Roll]
Result Table
| 1-5 |
You spot one possible pathway down the cliff way but it appears extremely hazardous and impossible to climb back up |
| 6-10 |
You see a long ripple along the cliff way that appears safe to climb down but requires several slides which you may not be able to scale back up |
| 11-15 |
You spot what looks like a stairway carved into rock about a mile north from where you are. It leads past what looks like a cave in the cliff wall |
| 16-20 |
You spot a stairway carved into the cliff wall about half a mile south from where you are. |
Deynn]
() 1d20 Perception 6 +7 = 13
] You spot what looks like a stairway carved into rock about a mile north from where you are. It leads past what looks like a cave in the cliff wall.
Deynn] I hurry down the stairway to the shoreline to see if, by any chance, the people are alive and in need of help.
] As you run down the stairs, you pass a small cave entrance in the cliff wall, about 40 feet above the shoreline. As you hurry past it, you catch a whiff of death coming from inside it, but see nothing. You reach the spot where you saw the glint of steel. You find both bodies severly dashed and no signs of life. One is a male human in leather armor with plates of steel. He has redish-brown hair and beard. The other is a female human in similar armor. Her skin is a much darker color than the male’s and her hair is black with tight curls.
Deynn] I say a pray to Nobanion over these lost lives.
] You gain a sense that these two were worthy of respect – warriors and protectors – rather than bandits or thugs.
Deynn] I look for someplace I can bury the bodies rather than leave them to be tossed by waves.
] The shoreline is mostly rock but you find a sandy spot which might accommodate a couple of graves.
Deynn] I look for something to dig with.
] The male human has a war axe on his belt which might be helpful. The female has a longsword on her back. There is also a bright round shield laying nearby. The shield has a large emblem that looks like a flaming shield. It looks to be an expensive piece of armor – it has a slight shimmer which might make some wonder if it may be enchanted.
Deynn] I search their bodies for any clues as to who they were.
] When searching the male, you find a small pouch made of tiny metal links. The outside of the pouch has the same emblem design as the shield. Inside the pouch you find a single coin but unlike any you have seen before. It it thick and weighs at least ten times what a normal gold piece weighs and it is round rather than the normal shape of gold coins in Faerun. On one side it has a mans profile and on the other side there is a dragon. You also find an amulet around the males neck with the same symbol as the shield and the pouch. On the female, you find a simple leather pouch with some transparent yellow gems in it (specifically, 4 golden pearls worth ~100gp each). She carries a small scroll wrapped tight in leather bindings. Aside from these items, they each have a small pack with some mundane items in them.
Deynn] I place the scroll and both pouches in my own satchel. The amulet I ponder for a moment… then decide to place it around my own neck. I use the axe and the shield to dig graves as deep into the shoreline as I can. I place their weapons with them and then use the shield to bury them. I roll large rocks over their graves and say a final prayer before making my way back up the stairs along the cliff wall. “Perhaps I can sell this shield for some decent coin.” I say to myself as I turn. “Maybe I can even afford to sleep in a real bed tonight.” I might be able to sell the pearls too, but they are easier to carry than this shield.
] As you scaling the narrow stairs cut out of rock along the cliff face, you are about 30 feet off the ground when you catch a whiff of death again, only this time the stench is far stronger than before [CON Save]
Result Table
| 1-10 |
The stench of death is overwhelming and you begin to retch. Poisoned condition applies for 1d6 turns. |
| 11-15 |
The stench of death is powerful and you begin to retch. Poisoned condition applies for 1d4-1 turns |
| 16-20 |
The stench of death is alarming and you halt your forward progress to try to determine where it is coming from. |
Deynn]
() 1d20 CON Save 8 +1 = 9 [Fail] Duration 1d6 2
] The stench of death is overwhelming and you begin to retch. Poisoned condition applies 2 turns (16 seconds). A poisoned creature has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
] A giant vulture flies out of the cave just ahead. It quickly turns on a wing and begins diving straight toards you. Its eyes burn with green fire. The creature looks deformed… its muscles bulge in odd places, but it appears stronger and tougher than any common vulture.
Deynn] I’m in no position to defend myself here… Which is closer? The cave opening or the shoreline?
] The cave opening is about 20 steps up and the shoreline is about 60 steps down.
Deynn] I try to reach the cave before the creature attacks. [Str Athletics]
Result Table
| 1 |
You slip off the narrow stair as you begin running towards the cave |
| 2-12 |
You fail to reach the cave before the vulture is upon you |
| 13-20 |
You reach the cave entrance successfully |
Deynn]
() 1d20 Str Athletics 16 +2 = 18 [Success]
] You reach the cave entrance successfully but drop the shield that you were carrying (it bounces down onto the rocks below). The Giant Death Vulture attacks [()] its beak strikes you and tries to rip your flesh. You take 6 damage. I reels back and attempts to claw at you with its massive talons [()] but you press against the wall and avoid the assault.
Initiative
| Init |
Character |
AC |
ATK |
HP |
| 22 |
Deynn |
17 |
+6 1d4 +6 |
28 22 |
| 3 |
Death Vulture |
12 |
+6 2d4 +4 |
40 12 00 |
Deynn] I fight back with all I’ve got
() 1d20 Attack 11 +6 = 17 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 2 +6 = 8
() 1d20 Flurry of Blows 13 +6 = 19 [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10
() 1d20 Flurry of Blows 8 +6 = 14 [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10 Total 28
] You unleash a barrage of punches laddened with the metal that magically flows within your fascia. The rancid bird-beast squaks something horrible at you and tries again to taste your flesh [()] but you deftly side-step both attacks. In the dark of the cave in this close range, you see the eyes of this creature burn with something unnatural. The putrid stench is coming from it, not its lair.
Deynn] I continue to defend myself
() 1d20 Attack 19 +6 = 25 [Hit] Dmg 3 +6 = 9
() 1d20 Attack 14 +6 = 20 [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10
] Your fists break thru the grotesque skull of the creature, spraying its brain matter across the cave walls. The cave fills with a dark green mist from the creatures necrotic insides. (CON Save)
Deynn] I cover my face and try to get out into clean air
() 1d20 CON Save 16 +1 = 17 [Save]
Deynn] I climb back down the stairs to recover the Shield, hoping it is not damaged too badly.
] You gather the shield from the rocky shoreline. It does not have even a slight ding. As you are there, you notice a large sailing ship about a mile off shore. You can see that its sails are mostly gone – just a few rags and tatters. You cannot be certain, but it seems to be adrift.
Deynn] “That seems strange.” I say to no one in particular. Nothing for it however… so I make my way back up the cliff steps – making sure to cover my face while close to the cave with the mutant vulture.
] You get to the top of the cliff. You notice the sailing ship is further out into the Sea of Swords and you are confident now that it is adrift by the way it is being tossed and turned by waves.
Deynn] I continue my way North to Neverwinter. I pull out my flute and play both to heal that nasty bite (4d4) and to pass the time.
] You continue on the High Road through most of the Forenight. Neverwinter can be seen several miles ahead. It is a large city with high rock walls surrounding it. As you get closer, you see a river comes down out of the woods to your right and flows right through the center of the city. The High Road branches into three. On the far right, a roadway leads around the city and over a bridge. The other two branches lead to the SouthWest city gate and the SouthEast city gate.
Deynn] As I don’t know much about the layout of Neverwinter… this being my first time here… I decide to consult the guard at the SouthEast gate about where to find a place to eat and sleep while I am here, and where I might find an Arcanist who can tell me the value of this shield.
] You approach the SouthEast gate but it is closed and barred with piles of rock.
Deynn] I walk around to the SouthWest gate
] You approach the SouthWest gate and see it is open. There are four guards standing watch. They appear extremely well outfitted for city guards, wearing chain mail and a dark bluish-gray tunics. One of them sees you and halts your approach.
] Guard “You might want to go round Ser. The Neverdeath is still being contained.”
Deynn] “Contained? Sorry… I’m new here… what is The Neverdeath?”
] Guard “The graveyard ser. We’ve evacuated much of the Protectors Enclave until we can contain the corpses.” One of the other guards quips… “Again!”
Deynn] “Do you need help, er… containing… corpses?”
] Guard “No ser. Guard is out in full force. Please use one of the Northern gates. Good forenight ser.”
Deynn] Well… then I guess I follow the roadway around the city to the gate on the NorthEast side.
] As you approach the NE gate into Neverwinter, you see a mostly empty flatbed wagon pulled by a single tan-colored Palomino stopped at the gate by two guards. As you get a little closer, you overhear some laughter from the two guards dressed in Neverwinter Gray (which is nearly almost blue truth be told). At the front of the wagon is a grey-haired but sturdy looking man and a younger woman, both human. The man is making lively conversation with the guard.
Daynn] I approach the guard. “Greetings good ser. I seek an Arcanists Shop, might you direct me?”
] Guard “Well met. Arcanists Shop eh? Hmmm.. don’t think no one has rebuilt the Glow Jug yet – far as I know. I recall hearing ol’ Dewgrin moved on after his shop was destroy… ” He turns to the other guard. “Hey Thormen… anyone ever rebuild the Glow Jug?” He receives only a shrug of shoulders as Thormen seems more interested in the young lady sitting on the cart. “Guess not… You might ask around the merchants square.”
Deynn] “Thanks, I will do that. Might you direct me to the merchants square? This is my first visit to Neverwinter.”
] Guard “There are a couple close by. Take your first left and you will run into the Towers market. If you go right there’s another market area down near the lake.”
Deynn] “My thanks. Good night to you ser.”
] Guard “Good night”. The grey-haired man sitting in the wagon gives you a nod as well and they go back to their chatting. The young lady sitting next to him makes eye contact with you and gives you a brief smile before turning back to the guards.
Deynn] I enter the city and go left towards the Towers market.
] After a few minutes of walking you come to an open area with three sides. Around the perimeter are many makeshift booths and tents but only a few of them appear occupied. In the center is a raised platform made of stone. It is large enough to be a stage for performances but there is nothing on it presently. Just to your right, there is a whistling shopkeeper setting things out on a rickety table from a small push-wagon. He is a young human man, well-dressed and well-groomed for a shop keeper.
Deynn] I approach the shopkeeper. “Greetings. I seek an Arcanists Shop. Might you direct me?”
] The shopkeeper turns and smiles warmly “Good Forenight ser! I would be glad to direct you if there were some such place. What, may I inquire, are you seeking to buy? Perhaps I might have something to interest you?”
Deynn] “I’m looking for the services of a wizard.”
] Shopkeeper “Alas, our resident wizard packed up his scrolls and left… for Waterdeep I hear. Perhaps there is some alternative however… what sort of services are you seeking, if I may pry.”
Deynn] “Hmm… I am looking to sell this fine shield. I suspect it may be enchanted and would like a wizards evaluation of it. Any idea?”
] The Shopkeeper looks over the glistening shield. “Enchanted eh? I know very little about weapons and armor and the like… but I do know of a gentleman which sets up shop at the blacksmith’s who trades in enchanted items, he surely must have some method of identifying such things. ”
Deynn] “My thanks, I will inquire at the blacksmiths then. Might you direct me?”
] Shopkeeper: “Certainly, it is just past the Northern corner of the market. It is late in the day, you may want to return in the morning. The gentlemen you should speak to will be found behind the blacksmiths… he likes to keep his business, erm… out of public eyes, feels he must protect his clients, I’m sure you understand. While you are here however, might I interest you in any of my wares?”
Deynn] “A poor customer I would make friend. I’ve spent my last coin this morning. Should I find success however, I will return to repay your helpfulness. My name is Deynn.” And I offer a slight bow. As I do, I remember that I found the single thick gold coin, and my belly has been reminding me it has needs.
Serlee] “Pleased to meet Deynn, I am Serlee. I buy and sell here in this prime spot most days. If you have need of something special, be they tools or jewels or titfers, I know several professional finders as well.”
Deynn] “Thankye. Good night to you Serlee” and I wander away in the direction of the smell of food.
] You go to the Southern corner of the market and follow the roadway. The smell of frying meat is temporarily hampered by the smell of horse dung as you pass by some stables. You see the backside of a black-haired Dwarf shoveling out the stables. A beautiful Calico whinnies at you as you pass.
] “Calm yourself Mirrana… that’s a girl…” the Dwarf says to her reassuringly. You notice the unusually long hair on the dwarf, you cannot see his face for it all. He even has jet-black hair flowing out of the sleeves of his robe.
Deynn] I move on towards some food. I dig out the single coin from the pouch I found on the corpse earlier.
] You arrive at the source of the delicious smells you’ve been following. The vendor greets you and offers you a meal of fresh bread, cheese, fried meat and a nice thick ale.
] Food vendor (Carlee): “One meal will be 8 Silver ser.”
Deynn] I hand her the coin and thank her.
] Carlee “What’s this? Gold… but ’tis heavy…. Got to be ten gold pieces in the one… Not sure I have change for it. Got any smaller coins?”
Deynn] “That is my only coin. But the smell of this delicious meal makes me think it may be the only coin I needed. Please keep the remainder for yourself?”
] Carlee “Thank ya ser! Finest tip ever I got! Thank ya!”
Deynn] “Oh hey… I’m new to Neverwinter. Can you point me to a decent Inn?”
] Carlee “They just finished building the White Saint Inn – I hear its nice. Just down that way towards the Fallen Tower.
Deynn] I thank her and go eat my meal.
] There are several makeshift tables and chairs made from crates and barrels. You take your time to enjoy your meal. You watch as this part of the city bustles with foot traffic to and from the market. After a while, you find the White Saint Inn and get a room. You negotiate to put one of th pearls down as collateral until you came by some coin for the room. Then you have a restful night and awake with the sun. Long Rest: HP and HD are fully restored. Additionally, you have become attuned to the amulet around your neck. It is an Insight Emblem – you gain Proficiency (or Expertise) in the Insight skill. You have additional capabilities during combat as a result of the magically improved skill.
Deynn] I head back through the market towards the blacksmith.
] It is still early and several of the vendors are still getting set up. The blacksmith is easy to find due to the clanging and banging one expects to hear. You see what appears to be a typical small smithy. There is market booth displaying finished goods and an open area with a forge and smelter. There is a large overweight half-orc working a sword at an anvil. He looks up at you and stops pounding metal for a moment.
Deynn] “I understand there is also a private shop around back?” I say to the smith
] He just tilts his head to nod you back and then continues striking the steel. As you go around back, however, the banging stops again. You see a bunch of junk scattered around the back area, bits and pieces of scrap metal and chunks of ore and other such things one might find behind a blacksmiths shop. You notice over by a large crate there is a man dressed in beat leathers leaning against the wall dragging a short blade over a stone.
Deynn] I approach the man “Good Waking man. I am looking for one who might evaluate this shield for me.”
Man] “My brother was right, that is a fine looking shield. Allow me?” and he sets down the sharpening stone and reaches out for the shield.
Deynn] “Brother?” I say as I hand him the shield.
] As it leaves your hand, he plunges his sharpened dagger towards your guts [()] and as you react, you feel the tip pierce your skin. As you fly back away from the attack, you back right into the half-orc smithy who tries to grapple you [()]
[A Strength (Athletics) check contested by the target’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check (the target chooses the ability to use).]
Deynn]
() 1d20 Acrobatics 17 +6 = 23
] You are too quick to be grappled by the fat half-orc and manage to distance your from both attackers by about 10 feet
[Initiative]
| Initiative |
Character |
AC |
Atk |
HP |
| 23 |
Deynn |
17 |
+6 1d4 +6 |
27 |
| 10 |
Serwoe |
16 |
|
24 |
| 6 |
Grungurn |
14 |
|
24 |
Deynn] I look back and forth between the two ambushers and decide I’d rather take down the big guy first. I attack with all I’ve got. (Attack + Flurry of Blows)
() 1d4 Combat Insight 2 Opening Insight +1d4 to Attack rolls
() 1d20 Attack 20 +6 +2= 28 [Crit) Dmg 4 +4 +6 = 14
() 1d20 Attack 9 +6 +1 = 16 [Hit] Dmg 3 +6 = 9
] You leap toward the huge half-orc and deliver a punishing fist into his chest cavity. You feel bones give way to your knuckles. Then you drop down into a kneel and spring up with an uppercut which connects just under his jaw. The big smithy’s lights blink out and he falls backward onto a pile of junk. [Grungurn is alive but unconscious]
Deynn] I use my remaining flurry attack against the fellow with the sharp toy.
() 1d20 Attack 16 +6 +3 = 25 [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10
] The mugger is still gawking at how quickly you laid out his partner in crime when you step, leap, and land a heel kick into his abdomen. The blow forces the air out of his lungs and he staggers back, dropping the dagger.
] “Oof… you… gitsack… ” the would-be mugger says. “Looks like… Serlee… picked the wrong sucker… I yield and ask for mercy.” He kicks your shield over to you. “Here, this be rightfully yours good man.”
] “Serlee… this is the merchant which directed me your way to be ambushed?”
] “Yeah… my brother set you up as an easy mark. ‘Fellow does not even carry a sword’ he says to me… ‘And he’s certainly no mage-lord… an easy mark’ he says… the nutsuck… last time I… ”
Deynn] “Last time you victimize someone? That is what you are were about to say right? Last time you think anyone a mark? Because if you mean something other than that… you and I still have business. I have a very low tolerance for crime, let it be known”
] He looks sheepishly down… “Sure… yeah… exactly what I meant to be saying. Won’t be marking any more victims from here on… ”
Deynn] “Your brother is Serlee, what are you called?”
Serwoe] “I am Serwoe. And we will have no further business together, I assure you.”
] As Serwoe is backing away from you, lean down and start to retrieve the shield but then you hear something behind you.
Deynn] I turn out and step so I can see both Serwoe and whatever is behind me.
] A grey-haired gentleman has walked around the blacksmith shop. He is holding a bent and beated plate Pavise shield. He sizes up the situation, looking at you, Serwoe and the nonconscious half-orc. “Not sure exactly what I’ve stumbled into here… but I’m just looking for the smithy… I assume this chunk on the ground to be him?”
Deynn] “Good assumption ser. He and his wily cobber here thought to ambush me and steal this away from my possession.”
] Serwoe sees his opportunity and bolts. The man holding the Pavise looks and says “Well, that is indeed a nice shield. So if I make this out right… it was two against one. The turdpot who just ran stuck you in the belly with that dagger there but barely drew blood. He probably surprised you but still you were quick and avoided serious damage, or he had no business holding a blade. You must have then picked the big guy to go down first, and you must have done so unarmed as he is not bleeding and you are not wielding anything. This man is still breathing, but vulnerable to an easy killing blow so either you planned to spare him, or have not yet decided. The runner looked winded before he even started running, so I’m guessing you put a fist in his gut to stalt him. This all leads me to think I owe you a fair bit of respect, if only for my own well-being. The fact that I am still in need of a smithy seems hardly your fault. Ah well, it can wait after all…. Please to meet you good sir. My name is Sildar.” And he reaches a hand out to you. As he was talking, you recognized the voice, and then the face, as the man who was chatting with the guards at the gate last forenight.
Deynn] I pick up the shield from the ground and then I return his greeting “I am Deynn. And I suspect the half-orc should be back at his forge before long, though it will not be a pleasant day for him. I cracked some ribs on the left side, but if I recall, he was swinging against steel with his right. I was tricked into this setup. I was merely trying to ascertain the value of this shield. A merchant, the brother of the ‘turdpot’, as you named him, told me I could have it evaluated here. It seems he had already decided it was valuable enough to make a victim of me.”
] Sildar “Even absent some enchantment, that shield will fetch a good bag of coin. May I?” and he reaches for the shield.
Deynn] I feel like this just happened a minute ago… and I got stabbed for it… but there is something I find trustworthy about this Sildar so I hand it over to him to inspect.
] Sildar “There is something… familiar… about this crest. I cannot quite pull the memory. Craftsmanship is exceedingly skilled, Dwarven for certain. I would guess, although it looks and feels brand new, this was forged well over a hundred years ago… probably closer to two hundred. I would be profoundly shocked if it did not carry some enchantments. Might I ask… how did you come to acquire possession?” He hands the shield back to you.
Deynn] “I buried its former owner yesterday.”
] Sildar “I see. Well possession is the law and that makes it lawfully yours. I would like to give you fair price for this shield, that is… if you are looking to sell.”
Deynn] “I would be interested in learning more about it, but yes… I am looking to sell.”
] Sildar “As I say, I would only offer you fair price and so yes…. We both need to learn more about it. I would highly doubt it contains a curse… but obviously that would change my thinking. I know someone skilled at such evaluations. I understand I am asking for trust I have not earned. Perhaps we can install a safeguard. ”
Deynn] “I have only just arrived in Neverwinter. In fact, I believe I passed by you at the gates last forenight. You were with a young lady in a flat wagon.”
] Sildar “Ah… you were the one looking for Dewgrin’s Glow Jug. The pieces come together. Your hood changed your appearance enough… but I should have recognized your eyes. I recall noting earlier how unique they appear, and Khi-Khi said the same… it was as if you have the blood of another world, The True World, if I’m not mistaken. ”
Deynn] “You are not. My mothers mother was native to the Payit jungles.”
] Sildar “Fascinating. I assume you know your homeland has only just recently reappeared in the East? I had occasion to share a few flagons with a Tabaxi who emigrated to Faerun after Maztica returned. He had some amazing stories to tell of those missing years – after the spellplague vanished an entire continent – what they are calling the Deepsky years. Speaking of Flagons, I hear the Fallen Tower calling our names… have you time to drink with an old man?”
Deynn] “I have time for nothing else friend.”
] The two of you leave the blacksmith shop and walk the few blocks East to a large structure that looks to have once been a mighty watch tower. Its high circular walls crumbled at some point and now it stands only 30 feet tall with no apparent roof. Upon entering the tavern, you see open areas under the sky and a few small huts – one of which covers a large bar area.
] The two of you sit and drink for an hour or more. Sildar has tales from many battles in The Savage North. He reveals that he was, for many years, a Knight of the Griffon Cavalry out of Waterdeep. After a final ale, he proposes that earlier business be attended to. Sildar is no wizard, but he has developed a certain expertise with weapons and armor – and has a hobby of studying the famous enchanted items of the realms, but only a Wizard casts Identify to know an item with certainty… and L’Khifrey, he tells you, is fine Wizard of considerable training.
] Sildar “Khi-Khi is likely still at the White Saint. She prefers to spend all day sipping tea and reading her books.”
] You return with Sildar to the White Saint Inn and find the young wizard with the long black hair and piercing blue eyes sitting in the common room just as Sildar said… sipping tea and reading from a book.
] Khi-Khi’s face lightens when she sees you with Sildar. “You.” She says awkwardly.
] Sildar introduces you. “We seem to have a new friend Khi-Khi, this is Deynn. You might recall he was looking for an Arcanist last night. Today, I am looking for an Arcanist. It is a bit if a winding story… but you will recall I went to find a blacksmith to repair my broken shield earlier. I found one but he himself was a bit broken… by our friend Deynn. Nevermind the details… the blacksmith deserved his lesson and I still need a shield. The short of it all is… could we ask you to Identify this shield for us? What enchantments does it possess and of course, is it free of curses.”
] Khi-Khi “Glad to. Lets see…” she opens another book. “I have all the components save one… we will need a pearl. Being this close to the sea, surely you can find a shop to sell you one. It will cost 100 gp.”
Deynn] “Actually…” I dig into my satchel and pull out the small pouch with the 4 pearls and extract one. “Will this do?” I hand it to her.
] Khi-Khi “My but that is a lovely gem. I’ve never seen one this color before, but yes it should be just perfect.” She casts Identify. “It is working. This is indeed an enchanted item. It was born in a place called the Velothi Mountains for the Dawnguard. Any of this sound familiar to you?”
] Sildar “Not in the slightest.”
] Khi-Khi “The enchantment doubles the protection it provides, and has special powers when defending against undead.” [grants +2 to bearers AC and gives resistance to necrotic damage while equipped and attune. When attacked by any undead, it has a potential reaction – 4d6 Radiant damage (Recharge 5,6) .] “As far as market value, I could not tell you much… ”
] Sildar “You have indeed found a treasure my friend. While I am still very much interested in purchasing this shield from you, I’m afraid a fair price is well beyond the size of my coin pouch. This is a legendary item and could easily gain you 30-40k gold. Maybe 50 in Waterdeep.”
Deynn] “I see.” I check with my gut… do I believe Sildar? Or is it possible he is spinning a story to get some advantage?
() 1d20 Insight Nat 20
] Your gut tells you to trust this grey-haired human. You instinctively sense that this is indeed a man of honor and one that has fought long and hard to defend honor.
Deynn] “It would appear this beautiful piece of shield craft has need of an honorable home. I have no need of so many thousands of gold, at least, I won’t for some long time to come. I can afford to take far less than a fair price and find some repayment in seeing a friend of its owner take ahold of it. What does your budget allow you Sildar?”
] Sildar “I can only use 10k of the wealth I carry. The rest has a far more important purpose, one which cannot be delayed for any reason. But ten thousand is but a fraction of its possible value.”
Deynn] “I will tell you what, even ten thousand is more than I need. I sense you are an honorable man, and that your word means something in this world. Am I right in this?”
] Sildar “Indeed. I would say I sense the same in you friend.”
Deynn] “Then let us strike a fair price. I will accept 2 thousand gold in exchange for this shield. In addition, you also offer me your word the other 8 thousand will be spent in support of an honorable cause. At some point over the next while… ”
] Sildar “Two thousand? I dare not refuse, but I will admit to being quite puzzled.”
Deynn] “Even two thousand is more wealth than I have ever been able to count towards my name. It is probably more than I need – which is something I try to avoid. I always need, however, another friend I can trust. I would spend the other 8 thousand through you as my proxy, as odd as that might sound, and trust you to exercise the honor I sense within you.”
] Sildar “Fair deal struck then. ” He counts out a large pouch of 200 platinum coins and hands it to you. “If only I were young again… this shield might lead me into the very greatest battles. Why, might I ask, did you not keep this for yourself? You seem to be a gifted warrior – this shield is a legend maker.”
Deynn] “I think perhaps… I just prefer to travel light. Anything I carry can be taken away and used against me, except my own feet and fists. And if ever I become a legend, it will not be for war but peace.”
] Sildar “Interesting you should say so. I am actually here in Neverwinter for a mission to secure peace. I cannot share details at this time, but you are not otherwise engaged for the next tenday or so, I would hire you for extra protection, and maybe some wisdom, while I complete my mission. I was planning on going to Tolva’s Star Guard to hire protection for Khi-Khi and myself and wagon of supplies, but I’d rather work … with a friend…”
Deynn] “I have nowhere else to be. Count me your protector until your work be done. I don’t need details I don’t need. What do I need to know?”
] Sildar “We meet a Dwarf in the morning. At the place across from the provisioners market at the gate. We travel south from there.”
Deynn] “Meet a Dwarf in the morning and travel South… Easy enough. See you there.”
] Khi-Khi “Don’t forget your pearl Deynn.” She hands it back to you.
Deynn] “It is yours Khi-Khi. Consider it fair payment for helping us.”
Next: Roonoo in the Towers Stables
Appreciation & Collaboration
] You have just finishing mucking out the fourth stable when a ginger-headed dwarf approaches. He is about your size but much younger. His red beard is braided with smart leather straps with green gems. He is dressed in chain-covered leathers and is carrying a small pack which has a long cylinder-shaped case attached to it. He seems to be taking an interest in a small black mare you have available. She is of Charger blood, but a runt in size. Her mane is jet-black and overlong… just like yours. You recently purchased her while in Helm’s Hold.
] “What a beauty!” The dwarf says in your general direction. “She for sale?” he asks you.
Roonoo] “Good Waking to you ser. This here’s Queen a’ Mine. And aye, she is available – though she has just recently arrived and I cannot tell much about her. She is young still… small even for her age – a perfect fit for folks like us. She seems bright and slow to spook – but as said, we’ve not spent much time together yet.”
] Your prospective buyer has Queen a’ Mines head down and cradled in his hands and he is nuzzling her forehead with his. “I have a good sense about her. Can she be ready to travel tomorrow? I heading out towards the Sword Mountains in the morning.”
Roonoo] “Indeed she can. Will you be needing a saddle and tackle as well?”
] “Yes I will. I’ve got a budget of 100 gold – will that meet your price? ”
Roonoo] “Should do fine. I’ve even got a saddle special made for those of us in lack a’ long legs.”
] “Excellent – fair deal struck then! My name is Gundren by the way, Gundren Rockseeker.” He extends his hand your way.
Roonoo] I greet him in return “I am called Roonoo” I shake his hand and let him know I will have Queen a’ Mine ready for delivery upon the next sunrise. As the gold changes hands, I attempt to stay alert for any onlookers, as is my habit anytime gold changes hands.
1d20 Perception 19 +6 = 25
] You notice two young humans in dirty red cloaks trying not to be obvious in their surveillance of the transaction. After you and Gundren finalize the details, he walks away to the West towards the Blacklake. To your surprise, the two watchers follow him rather than the gold he placed in your hands.
Roonoo] I call to my manager, Braelnys and ask her to secure the gold and mind the shop while I investigate. I follow Gundren and the two red cloaks covertly.
1d20 Stealth 12 +4 = 16 (Success)
] The two humans are not aware that you have followed them. You watch as Gundren stop briefly for some food. He does not seem to be aware of his artless audience. As he continues in the direction of the Blacklake district, the two thugs seem to have decided they see an opportunity for an ambush as they pick up speed.
Roonoo] I hurry to catch up to prevent the ambush.
] As you catch up, you watch them push Gundren into an alley. As you round the corner you witness a head blow knock Gundren to the ground.
Roll for initiative [()]
| Init |
Character |
AC |
ATK |
HP |
| 17 |
Roonoo |
17 |
+7 1d8 +7 |
33 |
| 13 |
Thug01 (Shaken -3) |
14 |
+4 1d6 +2 (x2) |
16 |
| 13 |
Thug02 |
14 |
|
16 06 00 |
Roonoo] I yell “Hey! Leave him be!” I use my Aggression Tactics to intimidate them as I yell and perform several air strikes with my staff. (Bonus Action)
] The ambusher (Thug01) is caught off-guard by your intimidation attempt, he stumbles back, visibly shaken (A shaken character takes a penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws equal to your Intimidation Skill bonus. )
Roonoo] I strike at the other punk (Thug02) with my staff
1d20 Attack 19 +7 = 26 (Hit) Dmg 3 +7 = 10
] You make solid contact with side of the thugs torso. An audible cracking of ribs can be heard through the alleyway.
Roonoo] “Avast ye Bully Boy! Cower on home to ye mammy’s paps!”
] [()] The other (Thug01) makes a stalting effort to attack you with a short sword but you easily bat away the blade. The second thug also swings a blade your way but you can see from his movements that damage from your first strike is impeding his swordarm.
Roonoo] “Gods knew it! You should have taken your warning boy.” I strike again at the second enemy. (Thug02)
1d20 Attack 8 +7 = 15 (Hit) Dmg 2 +7 = 9
] You plant your feet and use your torse to energize the blackthorn staff in your hands. The young human takes another blow to his already broken ribcage. The broken bones spear through his internal organs and he collapses, spitting up blood and gasping for a last breath.
Roonoo] Turning to the other (Thug01) I yell “Still here lad? So be it.” I use my Flurry of Blows action to execute two kicks on the first thug.
1d20 Attack 7 +6 = 13 (Miss)
1d20 Attack 15 +6 = 21 (Hit) Dmg 4 +4 = 8
] The first kick misses as the ambusher trips out of the way, but the second lands solid and square in his chest. He staggers backwards but you can see some resolve come across his face. [()] He lunges forward with a spearing strike but you spin around his attack and end up standing behind him. If you strike again, it will be with advantage.
Roonoo] “I’ll be telling yur sweetheart ye died shamefully!”
2d20a Attack 16 +6 = 22 (Hit) Dmg 3 +4 = 7
] The kick lands and sends the boy headlong into a wall. [()] He falls unconscious. Gundren Rockseeker has staggered to his feet but appears a bit dazed still from the head wound. “My thanks” he manages to say. His eyes seem to focus a bit and then he recognizes you. “Roonoo! By the Nine I’m glad for you just now. But how did you…?”
Roonoo] “I saw them surveilling our exchange for the black mare. I expected they would be after me as I had the gold in pocket, but instead they followed you… so I thought I should keep watch. I would not want Queen a’ Mine being orphaned so soon.”
] Gundren looks down at the two humans. “Redbrands! Ugh!” He spits on the corpse of the dead one. “What the shmek are they doing in Neverwinter? Could they have followed me all the way from Phandalin? How can that be?”
Roonoo] “Redbrands?”
] “Yes.. petty gang criminals who harass locals in our town. Their red garb is a signature of sorts. Surely it can be no coincidence that they are here following and attacking me. But you sure made quick work of them… not a scratch on you, nor a bead of sweat.“
Roonoo] “They are children playing with swords. I think this one is still alive. We should alert the guard. Then you should get some attention on that head wound, they hit you pretty hard. Wait here while I find a guard.”
] You return with two guards dressed in Neverwinter Gray after just a few minutes. The Redbrand against the wall is stirring and you place a foot on his back to keep him in place. Gundren relays the whole story to them, adding in some flourishes about the brigands harassing his Demure Dwarvishness. Gundren announces his desire to reward your actions and with more flourish, places 10 gold in your hand. The guards do not seem impressed nor concerned. The gather up the one still alive to lock him up. After they leave you and Gundren walk towards the healers guild. “You know…” Gundren starts. “I am suddenly concerned about my travels tomorrow. The Redbrands may be intent on some unknown evil actions. I should rather seek some extra protection for myself and my cargo. ”
Roonoo] “You might want to do just that. Don’t just hire some sword from a tavern though… There are several protection firms here in Neverwinter. Tolva’s Star Guard is reliable hired protection in my experience – although they are usually just protecting horses. Lysra Battlebraid, if she is still in town, would be a good choice. She knows Queen A’Mine – delivered her to me along with several others.”
] Gundren “I appreciate the recommendation. But… Any chance you would join me? Can take a break from the stables to travel with me to Phandalin?”
Roonoo] “I will think it over while we get your head fixed.”
] The two of you visit the healers guild in the Bluelake near Castle Never and shortly Gundren is on the mend. Afterwards, Gundren offers you a pint so you go over to the Driftwood.
Roonoo] I ask Gundren over ales… “Not that it is any of my business, but may I ask why you have Redbrands following you?”
] Gundren “I’ve been asking myself the same question Roonoo. Maybe just a coincendence? Perhaps they just thought I was an easy mark?”
Roonoo] “But they followed you, not your gold. They either wanted something else you have, or they just wanted to harm you. They were not professional killers… that much is for certain. ”
] Gundren “The only thing I have of value right now are my maps. My brothers and I mine the foothills around Phandalin. Halia Thornton would love to get her hands on my maps… perhaps she hired some Redbrands to thieve them away.”
Roonoo] “Who is Halia Thornton?”
] Gundren “She operates the local miners exchange in town. She’s got herself a sneaky-thumb… I’ve never trusted her.”
Roonoo] “Sneaky-thumb?”
] Gundren “Oh… that is just prospector talk for someone who sneaks a thumb on the scales when weighing your dust. Point is, Halia seems more than capable of some underhanded jiggery.”
Roonoo] “Perhaps then… there are more of these Redbrands following you around?” I take a moment and glance around the room for anyone suspicious looking. [Perception Check]
Results Table
| Roll |
Result |
| 1-5 |
You see many folks in a tavern drinking and talking |
| 6-14 |
Aside from a roomful of regulars, you notice a couple of off-duty guards, a small clique of Halflings around a dice game, and several adventurer sorts planning their next dungeon delve. |
| 15+ |
All of the above, plus you notice a female drow, probably half-drow by the look of her ears. She is sitting by herself trying hard to not be noticed. |
1d20 Perception Check 13 +5 = 18
] Aside from a roomful of regulars, you notice a couple of off-duty guards, a small clique of Halflings around a dice game, and several adventurer sorts with big swords and fat axes and full packs, all of which leads you to assume they are planning their next dungeon delve. You also notice a female drow, probably half-drow by the angle of her ears. She is sitting by herself trying hard to not be noticed. If there was a professional killer in the room with you, she would be the most likely candidate in your impression.
Roonoo] “So tell me about Phandalin. How long have you lived there Gundren?”
] Gundren “Just a couple of years now. My brothers and I spend most of our time in the wilderness around Phandalin. It’s generally a nice enough place. 500 years ago it was a thriving settlement until orcs raided it… left the place in ruins for a long time… until 5 years ago when folk started rebuilding. It’s mostly miners and farmers, and good people all. It was only recent that them wretched Redbrands moved in and started troubling everyone, extorting fine folk.” He turns and spits on the ground.
Roonoo] “Don’t you have a guard, any sort of law?”
] Gundren “Not really… not yet… The Lords Alliance is looking to help. Besides supplies, the reason I’m in Neverwinter is to meet with em. It’s a bit of a story… but we had a fellow from the Lords Alliance in town for several months trying to lay the pavers for bringing in protection. He has gone missing so I’m bringing in another to help sort this mess out. Speaking of help… how did you learn to fight so impressing-like?”
Roonoo] “I’ve got many years on me friend… many a’ which I’m trying to forget… but you have to learn a thing or two about fighting when you live dangerously in the Sword Coast.”
] Gundren “Here I mistook you for a simple stable master.”
Roonoo] “That is what I am, and all of what I desire to be… most days… but today, perhaps, I will be supply wagon guard too.”
] Gundren “So you will accompany us to Phandalin then? Great then! I will of course pay you the standard and then some.”
Roonoo] I keep a watch on the drow half-elf while talking.
] You notice that she never looks your way, which makes you think she is avoiding looking your way, which makes you think she is watching you. You or Gundren.
Roonoo] “I have some affairs to order before we travel. Where should I meet you in the morning?”
] Gundren “I’m meeting with the Lords Alliance gentleman at the Flatstone Inn – first light. The provisioner is right across the way and will have everything ready for us.”
Roonoo] “I know the place. Is that where you are staying then? The Flatstone?”
] Gundren “Yes indeed. Nice place… great food.”
Roonoo] “We shall see each other then. Watch your back friend.” I leave a gold coin on the table and leave. I am curious to discover if the drow will follow myself or Gundren. As I exit the Driftwood, I quickly attempt to hide so I can watch who she follows.
] You duck around the corner of a nearby building and watch. A few minutes after you see Gundren exit and head towards the bridges. You wait and watch nearly ten minutes… the drow does not leave the Driftwood Tavern.
Roonoo] I head back to my stables and ready myself for the journey to Phandalin.
] Silverymoon is quieting down for the day as you both make your way through Southbank to the Lady’s College. You are two hours early for your meeting with the High Priestess of Selune, known by your teacher simply as Abbiree. You are on your very first mission outside of your monastery in the High Forest and Abbiree is to be your very first client – arranged by your teacher from the monastery Lady Aeri.
Leely] “A high priestess of Selune! Oh I am so excited to meet her! She is surely beautiful! And wise! And powerful! And beautiful!” I say to my sister.
Ileel] “You said that…” I respond, with a slight sneer. It is my habit to be annoyed with my sister and her habit, apparently, to not notice my irritation. “What, I wonder, does a high priestess need with a bodyguard? Would she not provide better protection for us than we for her?”
Leely] “She is doing us a favor you know!” I say as I dismount from Aylan, my Dire White Wolf.
Ileel] “She is doing our Lady Aeri a favor… but, you are not wrong, we shall benefit from the arrangement. I think I am just finding it… uncomfortable… being outside of the forest. So many people and buildings and noises… and so many stones placed in place of the ground.” My nervous energy compels me to keep an active watch on everyone around me.
1d20 Perception 16 +6 = 22
] You perceive no threats to yourselves directly. You do notice a pickpocket target and proceed towards a human in fine long robes, his shoulders draped with several satchels and a stack of things in his hands.
Ileel] I am tempted to put a stop to the petty crime, but as a stranger here in Silverymoon… I hesitate… and let it happen. I just mentally note the thief’s appearance in case I need to recall it later.
] The street thief sweeps by the man with his arms full and appears to have been successful in nabbing something from one of his satchels. She is young looking, possibly human from what you are able to see. Her brunette hair is long and braided and is dressed as well as most others you see around the city.
Leely] Obvious to where my sisters attention went… I just continue on… “Yes… it is strange… but also exciting! We knew this day would come. I may have been the only one of us looking forward to this outside phase of our training, but I am glad this day finds us together. If our Wild Queen would have us be protectors of the forest – we can only learn so much about it threats from without while hiding within it.”
Ileel] “After years of training inside the High Forest – a big city like Silverymoon feels like we have landed in some other planet in some other dimension.” I also dismount and stroke the forehead of Nalya – my Dire Black Panther – as I continue looking around at Silverymoon.
Leely] “Yes but can you smell the yumminess of the food here in this city!?! Speaking of food… we are a bit early for our meeting with the High Priestess… Would you be hungry?”
Ileel] “We have only had cold rations since we left the monastery… Hot food would be welcomed, and you are right about having the spare time, so let us eat”
] You follow the heavy smell of cooking meats and spices into a market area where there is an outdoor eatery. Shadows are nearly stretched to their full as you sit down at one of just a couple of open tables. There are hanging lanterns overhead being lit by a young half-elf girl. You hear the sounds of a busy grill area behind a short natural wall made of branches tied together. Looking around you notice that most of the seated patrons appear young and quite comfortable and you assume this is a regular spot for students of the Ladys College and the other Conclave schools in Silverymoon. You also note a table of four drunken humans which seem somewhat out of place compared to the other patrons. They are loud and brash and disrespectful of the place – ruffians or worse you assume.
Ileel] I position myself at the table so that I can keep an eye on these ruffians. I also keep my bow across my lap under the table rather than placing it on the ground.
Leely] Somewhat out of character… I happen to notice my sisters suspicion and decide I share it. I position myself similarly and watch.
] One of the group calls for more drink. The half-elf which was lighting candles drops what she was doing and somewhat nervously moves to attend to them. Another half-elf, an older looking gentleman, approaches your table.
] “Welcome to Gil’s Garden. I am Gilval. Tonight we feature our famous Dragon-Roasted chuck-cut, a River-Fish Stew, and as always, Gils Garden-born Soup. If you are interested in drinks, we have a clear well, an amber well and a mighty ale made right here in Silverymoon. Also, we still have a small stock of a very fine Icewind Mead. What can I bring you young ladies?”
Leely] I smile at Gilval… “The soup sounds wonderful! Is that bread I smell baking? I would like some bread too please.”
Ileel] “Meat please. What exactly is meant by “dragon-roasted” by the way? Do you have small dragon in the kitchen?”
] Gilval chuckles… “No no … it is just a special blend of peppers and spices that give our chuck-cut a nice kick. Do you like spicy meat? I can always add a little extra if you want to make your eyes water.”
Ileel] “I suppose there is only one way to find out whether I do like it.”
] Gilval says “Coming right up!” as he turns and rushes back to the kitchen. Meanwhile, the volume seems to have increased over at the table of Ruffians. The nervous serving-girl is bringing another round of ales. As she is placing them around the table, one of the drinkers makes a loud boisterous gesture with his hands, knocking the drink out of the servers hands and into the lap of another drinker. He reacts violently and back-hands the young half-elf girl, sending her flying to the ground. Most all of the patrons saw what happened and the eatery grows quiet for a moment.
Leely] I leap to my feet in her defense. “Hey! That is not going to be ignored!” I go help the half-elf to her feet. “You bonebags! Pay your tab and be on your way! Now! ”
] The Ruffian(1) who smacked the server begins to laugh with stupid exaggeration. “Look mates! This little ear-pointer thinks she can order us about!” Another Ruffian(4) stands and draws a sword.
Leely] “Well blades it shall be! It would seem you do not care to see the morrow! Come then, let us fix your manners for good!” I step out of the eatery and into the roadway away from the other patrons and draw my Serpier sword from its scabbard. With a thought of will, my flowing white silk robes draw in close, becoming skin-tight so that every curve and crease is apparent. It feels like a thin coat of paint on my body, allowing me to move with full agility.
] Roll for Initiative
| Init |
Character |
AC |
ATK |
HP |
| 21 |
Leely |
18 |
+7 1d8 +5 |
32 |
| 19 |
Ruffian3 |
12 |
+3 1d6 +1 |
18 |
| 19 |
Ruffian4 |
12 |
|
18 00 |
| 15 |
Ileel |
18 |
+7 1d6 +5 |
32 |
| 6 |
Ruffian1 |
12 |
|
18 3 |
| 6 |
Ruffian2 |
12 |
|
18 |
] As Leely steps into the street, 3 of the men follow and draw swords. One of them (Ruffian2) stays behind at the table and obnoxiously goads the other three to “Go make some girly elf-paste” of you Leely. The loudest and most drunken Ruffian(1) , seeing Leely’s precise figure in slick sheer silk, gains a look on his face of startlement mixed with lurid fascination.
Leely] I take advantage of the distraction and aggress on the bully (Ruffian1) with my blade and follow-up with a well placed kick.
1d20 Attack 16 +7 = 23 [Hit] Dmg (1d8) 4 +5 = 9
1d20 Attack 14 +6 = 20 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 2 +4 = 6 (Total 15)
] The Ruffians (1) eyes were stuck somewhere else and so did not expect you to start your attack so quickly. As his blood is spraying off of your blade, you land a solid foot into his crotch and the buffoon folds to the ground. Tears are flowing from his eyes as groans with pain. Another Ruffian(3) attempts to attack you from behind but you sense the incoming blade and roll away deftly.
Leely] I use my Radiant Reaction in response to his failed attempt.
1d20 Spell Attack 20 +6 = 26 [Hit] Dmg (1d8 + Wis) 5 +3 = 8
] You reverse and roll back towards the attacker while sheathing your sword. You reach up and cover his face with your hand, releasing a wave of radiant damage directly into his eyes, [()] blinding him (Ruffian3).
] The fourth drunken human (Ruffian4) yells in frustration seeing the little elven girl make so little of his burly friends and he charges with an attack [()] [Nat 1 Crit fail]. He drunkenly stumbles on his way and crashes into a nearby cart.
Ileel] I shift slightly in my chair at the table and raise my bow from my lap – loosing a tainted arrow in one smooth motion towards the crashing buffoon (Ruffian4).
2d20a Attack 13 +8 = 21 [Hit] Dmg (1d6) 6 +6 = 12 +7 Necrotic = 19
Ileel] I then return my bow to my lap and continue pretending to not be involved.
] If any bystander had seen the arrow fly, they might have noticed the slight vapor trail of blackness it left hanging in the air for just a moment. The ruffian (Ruffian4) is attempting to lift himeself up by the cart as he catches the necrotic tainted arrow square in the heart. A black death wisp escapes from his gaping mouth as he falls dead. Ruffian(2) remains back at the table drinking and not really paying attention. He is laughing and banging the table in amusement as if his friends were stomping the little elf girl, still unaware of the actual outcomes.
[()]
] Leely spins to avoid the wild swings of the blinded human (Ruffian3).
Leely] I step in behind the blinded attacker, jump up onto his back and wrap my scabbard against his throat and pull.
2d20a Athletics 12 +0 [Success]
Leely] “Do you wish to live?” I ask the fool with a whisper in his ear as I squeeze my legs around his torso and yank back with both hands on my sword across this throat.
] Ruffian(3) cannot speak because his throat is being crushed, but attempts to nod repeatedly.
Leely] “Good choice, I shall grant your wish.” Then I leap down and grab the blind mans shoulders and spin him to point towards the fallen thug and I shout in his ear “Run! Run this way as fast as you can and I will allow you to live!”
] Ruffian2 overhears “Run!” but his drunken expectations override what he actually sees and hears…. He shouts from the table… “Run! Hahaha! Run ya little elvish blight!” The blinded Ruffian(3) bolts ahead and crashes over the dead man (Ruffian4) and into the cart. He realizes the corpse of his fellow beneath him and panics. Then he scrambles to his feet and sprints in a random direction away from the scene. Ruffian2 stumbles up from the table and drunkenly yells to no one in particular… “I gotta… piddle…” and he wanders back towards the kitchen. Gilvar rushes over to guide the drunk away, as if it is a thing he is accustomed to doing.
Ileel] Sensing the fray is just about ended, I get up and walk over to retrieve my arrow from the chest of the dead guy. I remain kneeling over the body as I look to Leely for a queue I know is probably coming.
] As you are walking over to the table, you notice a small crowd has formed in the courtyard to watching the scuffle. Among them, you briefly notice the thief you saw earlier. Rather than taking the opportunity to lighten more pockets, however, she too is watching the show with some fascination.
Leely] I see Ileel and smile a big smile and wave at her. Then I turn to the Ruffian(1) I kicked in the crotch – the one who started the whole thing. I place the tip of my sword at his throat. “I told you that your cruelty would not be ignored. And now I must decide if you will live another hour… but while I think it over – look to your corpse of a friend over there.”
Ileel] I yank my arrow from the dead Ruffian and place my other hand at the throat of the human and draw his death energy into my bow.
] A black smoke begins to rise and soon there is no body, just a scattering of black ashes inside sunken leather armor.
Leely] “This is my sister! Isn’t she wonderful! I think so!” I holler over to Ileel “I think you are wonderful sis!” then I turn back. “Do you know why she does that to corpses? Well… do you!?!”
] The man has pissed himself watching the little elven girl dressed in black silk turn his friend to ash with just a touch. “N…n…no…. I don’t n..n..know!” says the fallen and frightened man.
Leely] “That is so that no fucking necromancer can come along use his corpse. We really hate necromancy you see?” I yell at him, jabbing my sword into skin and drawing pain and blood. “You know what else we hate?”
] The human cannot seem to speak…
Leely] “Well! Do you!?!” I draw more blood from his neck.
] The human stammers out…. “N..n..no”
Leely] “Okay! Then let me tell you! We hate rude shmek-drunk smelly arse-plugs being bully-cruel to eatery staff. Now! Shall I return your cruelty upon you or would you beg for mercy from a little pointy-eared girl?”
] “M…m..m..mercy! P..p..p…please” The human manages to say, but so quietly only Leely can hear him.
Leely] I pull him to his feet and drag him over to the half-elf girl he assaulted. “It is not me you should be pleading to. This is the one you were cruel to, only this one can grant you mercy now!”
] The server girl looks terrified but stands tall before him. “Allow him to live.” The half-elf girl says.
Leely] “She chooses mercy!” I yell loudly with a cheer. I lean over to the girl (“hey – we should be friends”) I say to her with a friendly voice before turning back to the Ruffian. “You sir, shall be spared! Yay! But… your coin purse is not. All of your wealth! On the table! Now! Else I rout it out with my blade.”
] He drops two large pouches on the table with the spilled ale. One clinks down real heavy like – sounding like a small fortune in gold. The other sounds more like jewels or gems clanging together.
Ileel] I pull the coin purse from the other Ruffian and toss it to Leely and then go back to our table.
Leely] “Here is payment of their tab and a large tip for your trouble of serving bullies” I give all three pouches to the half-elf girl. Then I place a hand on the Ruffian and dig a nail into the back of his neck, drawing more blood. “You sir are leaving Silverymoon now. If you ever return, this enchantment I have embedded in your neck will alert me and I will swiftly revoke the mercy! Now run!”
] The patrons that still remain go back to their meals. Some seem afraid to make any eye contact with the two young wood-elves, but a few send a smile towards Leely. A few minutes later, Gilval is placing food at your table. He says to you “Thank you for standing up for my daughter. These kinds of problems are rare for us here in the Conclave, but never has another defended us. I am also thankful that you took the fight out into the street and spared my patrons the violence.”
Leely] “We are here to learn how to be good protectors. Was that good protecting?”
] Gilval smiles and nods “Yes indeed, it was very good protecting.” The half-elf server joins her father at your table and places the three pouches there. “I cannot accept this” she says…. “It is a fortune and I have done nothing to deserve such wealth.”
Leely] Impressed by her lack of greed, I say… “Hey, we really could be friends! I am Leely and this is my sister Ileel. ”
] “I am Mollia” the half-elf girl says. ” I am a student here at the Conclave. I thank you for standing against the brutes, but honestly I cannot accept this wealth”
Leely] “I understand Mollia. Here, at least take a few gold as a tip. Gilval, what is the average cost of a meal here? A silver or two? I want to pay everyone’s tab here tonight. It was their dinner which was so rudely interrupted. And here – give your kitchen staff a small raise will you? We shall see the rest of this put to some good.” I give an uncounted stack of gold pieces to him.
] What remains is 1241 gp and roughly 7000 worth of gems. You both finish your meals and start heading toward The Ladys College to meet High Priestess Abbiree.
Ileel] “So… Leely… what was that enchantment you placed in his neck… I don’t remember ever learning such lessons.”
Leely] “Oh, that! I suppose you would call that enchantment a “lie”. I just did not want them to think they could come back around and seek more trouble.”
Ileel] “That is what I thought! Good thinking! I little out of character for you, but still good thinking. They did leave an awful lot of wealth behind… we really should watch out backs for a little while. This much coin is worth some risk and they seem fool enough to try.”
Leely] “Should have killed them then? I thought Mollie choose well in showing mercy.”
Ileel] “We may still have to kill the fools. Let us see.”
] “I will kill them for you.” you hear a voice from behind you say. “if you want…”
Leely] We turn to see who is talking “Who? What?”
] You see a young human girl, still in her teen years, with braided brunette hair and blue eyes. Ileel, you recognize her at the street thief you saw picking pockets earlier.
] Street Thief “Not that I want to actually kill someone… but I can help you! If you want, I mean.”
Ileel] “When we need a pocket picked, we shall call upon you.”
Leely] “Hey, that was not… wait… what do you mean Ileel?”
Ileel] “I watched this girl earlier help herself to the coin of some upstanding yet heedless fellow… looked like a teacher or something. How many pockets have you pilfered since then I wonder?”
] Street Thief “My mother taught me that sometimes heroes must do things that do not appear very hero-like… Someday I will be a hero and I won’t have to steal to eat! Just watch!”
Leely] “Who knows Ileel… perhaps she is something more than a thief. She looks to me like something more than thief… What is your name friend?”
] “Kellrie” she says, “Kellrie Rosk. And I may be a thief but I take only what I need to survive. It was either steal from fools or spread myself for them… and I will never never do that. I watched my mother hate herself for it, die for it… ”
Ileel] “We are strangers here Kellrie. I apologize for judging you without knowing you or the hardships of life here.”
Leely] “My name is Leely and this is my sister Ileel. We appreciate the offer, but perhaps we can help you instead. How much would it cost for you to attend the Lady’s College here in the conclave?” I look to Ileel and seek agreement on where I am going.
] Kellrie “More than I’ve ever seen I’m sure.”
Ileel] “A hero must have skills beyond sneaky-fingers. Skills take training and much practice. We have spent 30 years training and practicing for what we want to become. Are you willing to commit yourself to training for what you wish to become?”
] Kellrie “No doubt in my mind… I will prove my mother right and good – no matter what effort or sacrifice!”
Leely] I look to Ileel. “I believe her.”
Ileel] “Are you sure you don’t want to stick an enchantment in her neck for reassurance?”
Leely] I laugh, loudly with some exageration… then I turn to Kellrie. “We have decided to trust you Kellrie, and we believe you can be much much more than a bandit picking coppers from pocket. We believe you will be the hero you say you will.” I hand her the pouch full of gems. “I don’t know how much this is worth, but it should be enough get you started with one of the schools here in the conclave.”
] Kellrie looks into the pouch and her eyes spring wide. “I don’t know what to say…”
Ileel] “Say you will never victimize another person.”
Leely] “Then say you study and train in order to protect the good in this world.”
] Kellrie “I shall never victimize another person and I will study hard and I will train hard and I will fight to protect the good in this world.”
Ileel] “She is sounding more like a hero already, don’t you think Leely? Blessings to you Kellrie.”
Leely] I hug Kellrie. “Let’s be friends when you finish with school okay? I will need a friend like you.”
] You part ways with Kellrie Rosk and head towards the Lady’s College.
Leely] “Do you think… Ileel… do you think that was good protecting?”
Ileel] “Not the normal kind sis… but I think it was the Leely-kind of good protecting. Well done seeing what I could not. I only saw a thief and you saw a friend.”
] You step inside the main door of The Ladys College where you were told to meet Abbiree, High Priestess of Selune. There are several others in the front room. One in particular notices you and begins walking towards you. She is a human about 40 years age. She is partly dressed in fur-lined leather – her full arms and legs up to her hips show bare skin except for artistic markings in an intricate vine-like design. Her boots and cloak are also fur-lined. From here left hip hangs a short sword and from her right hip a pouch with a series of scrolls strapped to the outer flap. She has long cherry-red hair worn in a single thick braid wrapped over her shoulder. She approaches you and says “Are you the Roven’ris Sisters?”
] It is early morning. You are sharing a quick meal with Sildar and L’Khifrey at the Flatstone Inn in the River District – across from the provisioners market. Two Dwarves arrive and greet Sildar, joining you at the table. Sildar introduces you to Gundren Rockseeker. He seems the younger of the two, but with Dwarves it is hard to intuit age. He has red hair with tied back braids which have been dyed black. He is wearing a full set of leather armor with chainmail embedded into chest and arms. Gundren introduces you both to the other dwarf, Roonulim Welkincry. “Just call me Roonoo.” he says. As Roonoo pulls back his hood, you can see he has long flowing black hair and a full black beard that covers his chest and shoulders. He is wearing only a simple brown and tan robe and he smells powerfully like a stable. From the sleeves, more long black hair flows out and the same from his legs. It almost appears as if he is wearing a suit of hair under his robe. He carries a 5 foot staff which has a large knotted end at the top. He simply nods at you both as if you were all previously acquainted.
] Gundren says “We originally planned to all travel together, but I received word from my brothers late last night and Sildar and I must arrive in Phandalin by tomorrow. He and I will ride on ahead at speed. Khi-Khi has agreed to go with you. I have hired a cart and driver, Belteb, who is familiar with the supply run but Ox are slow and it will take 3 days to arrive. The Triboar has been plagued with bandits in recent months so the driver refused unless I also hired some muscle to protect him. This is where you and Roonoo come in.”
Roonoo] “Gundren… I joined this expidition to protect you, not a supply cart.”
] Gundren “I know mate, and I understand if you want to change your plans. I believe I will need you in Phandalin even more than along the road. Besides, Sildar will be with me… he was a soldier and earned himself a place of honor among the Griffon Cavalry of Waterdeep. We believe the greater danger may await us at our destination once things are set in motion… and these supplies are critical to that goal.”
Roonoo] “I understand. We shall meet in Phandalin.”
] Sildar looks to you and says “Deynn, I know we also said you would be protecting me, but protecting Khi-Khi and our supply shipment counts to a greater need. Would you be willing to join Roonoo to ensure our friend here arrives safe and our supply cargo complete in Phandalin? They are vital to our mission and their loss would not only cost us gold but time as well, and we have precious little of that to spare.”
Deynn] “I am pleased to help the mission however I might Sildar. What is known of the bandits along the Triboar?” I ask Gundren.
] Gundren replies to you with a slight shake of his head “Only rumors I’m afraid. Some say it is the tribes of Orcs returning to the area. Phandalin was originally settled over 500 years ago, but Orcs from Uruth invaded and laid the area to waste. Some folk have nowhere but history to get their superstitions from. I doubt there are large numbers of Orcs anywhere in the area. Goblins, maybe – there have always been tribes of goblins in and around the Sword Mountains. Some talk sightings of a dragon building its hoard somewhere in the area. I have not seen such signs but should you encounter a dragon, run. We cannot pay you enough to face down dragons – I dare say, not even Lord Neverember could afford to do so. Personally, I believe it is the Redbrands causing trouble and victimizing travelers along the Triboar.”
Deynn] “Redbrands?”
] Gundren nods. “Yes, that is what they like to call themselves… probably because “Vermin Butts” was already taken. They are a gang of young punks that have been harassing folk in Phandalin for the past many a’ month. If they accost you, I recommend no mercy… for they show none. But hide the bodies… spare yourself possible retaliation. Their numbers keep growing, but numbers are their only real strength.”
Roonoo] “We had a small scrape with them here yesterday. They were apparently following Gundren and jumped him in an alley. Punks is a good description… No real fighting skill, just bad attitudes and to match their bad breath. Still, I will be glad for another capable fighter alongside. And if the road is quiet, at least we might trade a story or two.”
] With a mouth still full of food, Gundren says “My best wisdom says 4 is stronger than 2 for a sure bet, but haste has ruled that out – there are political matters about to catch fire in Phandalin and they threaten to undermine the unions we have secured, and I have already been away too long.”
] Sildar says “And I have my own reasons for haste, but I have no doubt in the strength of Deynn and Roonoo. Khi-Khi has some tricks too… no doubt.” he looks to her and smiles.
] Khi-Khi “I spent all morning preparing for the worse Sildar… and praying for the best.”
] Sildar laughs “I hope for us all – a quiet road. If you do have to dispatch any serious trouble, I will double your pay. When we arrive, I will secure room and board for all of you at the local inn…. What is the name of the place Gundren?”
] “The Stonehill Inn. As you enter town, Barthens Provisions will be on your left – you can leave supplies with Barthen – he will be expecting you. The Stonehill is just a bit further towards the center of town.”
] The four of you finish your meal and walk over to the River District provisioner. The cart which Gundren hired is being loaded. Two horses stand with the two cart-pulling Oxen. One of the horses is a large Palomino which Sildar greets warmly with a touch as he passes. The other horse is a small black mare.
Roonoo] I offer affections to the black mare. “Good Waking Queen A’Mine.”
] The horse neighs with a returned affection and nudges your hand for a pet. You and Roonoo watch from the cart as Sildar and Gundren step over to a table just outside the doorway of the provisioners shop. Gundren pulls a map from a round leather case and, after glancing around for onlookers, spreads it out on the table. After just a quick minute of discussion, he rolls it back up and returns it to the map case.
] “Haste calls us to depart. We shall see you in Phandalin in three days time.” Sildar says. After he and Gundren mount their horses and ride away, Roonoo begins assisting with loading the remaining crates onto the cart. The driver climbs up into the cart and signals his readiness.
Roonoo] “Might I suggest the lady ride in front and we shall keep the back in good watch. ”
Deynn] “Sounds like a good plan. I will take the rear watch for the initial leg of the trip.” I sit on the back of cart as it pulls away. As the ground begins to move under my hanging legs, I am reminded of an earlier time with the same experience
]]Deynn] I was invited to join a supply run for the first time. I must have been about ten or eleven and had not left the abbey grounds before. My mentor was a Calashite named Bashan. At the time I thought he was so much older than I was, but really he was still just a teen. The Abbey binds young children to mentors – probably to help keep the youngers behaving – but perhaps also to give the older children the responsibility of caring for and guiding their mentees. The Abbey: Ironwall places a strong emphasis on strength from relationships – whether on a battle field or just in society generally. The very concept of the “iron wall” comes from the practices of many standing together as one. The mentor/mentee relationship is a sacred thing in the Abbey.
Bashan was strong of mind and of body and he allowed me to foresee who I might become. He invited me to join the supply run to Westgate even though I was not yet training in fighting skills. Leaving the Abbey grounds was dangerous for children and it rarely happened. I remember being so excited about the trip, but also terribly afraid – especially of the path around Starmantle. All of the children of the abbey knew that the ghosts of Starmantle were real. Everyone said they never left the boundaries of the ruins, and that the path around and through the woods where Starmantle was barely visible was generally safe. I think what frightened me most about the spirits of the spellplague was their anger – I think because I still feared my own anger at that age. With good reason I suppose… I had a mountain of anger to overcome.
Roonoo] I introduce myself to the young lady sitting beside Belteb. “Gundren did not tell me our travel would be blessed with beauty. I am called Roonoo.”
] Khi-Khi “Well met Roonoo. I am L’Khifrey, but friends just call me Khi-Khi.”
Roonoo] “If it is not too nosy of me… what brings you to journey to a wilderness mining town?”
] Khi-Khi “I search for my father. He has gone silent and missing. Sildar and he are friends and counterparts in the Lords Alliance.”
Roonoo] “I am sorrowed to hear that. Could it have something to do with these Redbrands Gundren was talking about?”
] Khi-Khi “Could be. Father was investigating the death of my husband… I don’t know what lead him to a mining town in the Sword Mountains… but he told me he had discovered an important lead and was pursuing it while also taking a mission from the Lords Alliance to bring Phandalin into the fold.”
Roonoo] “A missing father and a deceased husband… these past days have had bad skies for you. I will do what I can to help find your father as I help Gundren – they may very well be one and the same goal.”
] You travel South on the High Road throughout two days. The shadows have just about finished stretching on the second forenight when the cart driver suggests they rent a spot for the night at Peldons Passerthru.
Deynn] “Is that a town? An inn?”
] Belteb “It’s not much of either. Nalorin Peldon is a bard, as his story goes, who got tired of traveling and finding that they ain’t nothing for other weary travelers at the crossroad of Triboar and the High Road, decided to buy a few wagons and a dozen or so tents and provide a waystop. Each night he gets to play his performance and his daughter serves food and drink. It is perhaps on the pricey side, but each time I’ve stayed there, it’s been worth it to me.
Roonoo] “Sounds good to me.”
] Khi-Khi “A tent is better than open sky for the night.”
] Shortly you arrive at Peldons Passerthru. You see large circular rock fence that appears only half-built. Around the fence you see canvas tents set up facing inward and a makeshift stable on the far end. In the center there is a large fire pit already spiling smoke into the sky. There are several other wagons in the circle and a few other occupied tents with just horses tied up. As you approach the entrance a stable hand greets you.
] Stable hand “Welcome to Peldons Passerthru! Our prices are simple enough… a gold a piece covers food and drink and shelter… two oxen and four travelers is a total of 6 gold. I will see that your animals are cared for and kept safe.”
Deynn] “Agreed.” I pay the stable hand 1pp. “Place the remainder in your tip jar.”
] Stable hand “Our thanks and gratitudes to you ser. I will see your beasts have the finest care and are ready for you at first light. ” He guides your ox and wagon to one of the canvas tents. “Whenever you are ready, please see Wrenthira over at that wagon in the center for your meals and drinks.”
Deynn] We unload a few things into the tent and go to get some food.
] Peldon is already playing a lovely melody on a small lute. Around the fire you see 9 others. There are two halflings sitting together, a small group of humans in chainmail, one in plate armor, their full packs by their feet. There are three half-orcs which appear to be wearing matching soldier uniforms of some sort. You also see a half-elf drow female sitting by herself. Roonoo – you recognize her right away from yesterday at the Driftwood.”
Roonoo] I whisper to Deynn and Khi-Khi “See that half-elf there by the fire… the drow… I thought she was watching Gundren just the other day… awful suspicious to have her turn up here tonight. Keep a close eye on that one.”
Deynn] “Understood.” We get our drinks and dinner and sit around the fire with the others.
] You all sit down and enjoy some lively music and decent meal.
Roonoo] I keep my eyes tight on the drow the entire time.
] She is holding a wide mug and staring expressionless into the fire. You never see her look towards you nor any other guest. Suddenly one of the half-orcs in the middle of his meal grasps his throat and starts making a choking sound. Greenish fizz starts to flow out of his eyes and ears and nose and before any can react to what is happening he falls forward – face into the fire – dead before the flames lick his face. The music stops. There is a moment of chaos around the firepit as everyone scrambles backwards trying to determine what just happened.
] One of the Half-orcs yells “Poison! What else could be!?” and another loudly affirms the conclusion. “Drow love poison don’t they? You! You killed Bamar!” and the half-orc charges the drow and starts beating and kicking her. The other one joins in. The drow seems unable to defend herself. The other guests back up even further from the scene. The halflings have already disappeared, back into their tents most likely. Even Peldon is distancing himself away from the conflict.
] Khi-Khi “Is no one going to stop this? ”
Roonoo] “She is drow.”
] You feel a sudden bit of insight Deynn… the amulet around your neck has magically increased your ability to sense deception and true need, and you get the impression that this drow wanted this to happen.
Deynn] “I sense that somehow she meant for this to happen… I don’t know how… or why… but you are right Khi-Khi – we should stop this.” I try to pull one of the half-orcs back from his frenzy. [Str Check]
1d20 Strength Athletics 11 +4 = 15
[()]
] You manage to pull one of the half-orcs away.
Deynn] “Hold up! You can’t just kill her without knowing she is guilty!
Roonoo] “Deynn is right. Call off your friend! We should attempt to prove her guilt.” [Persuasion]
Results Table
| 1-10 |
The half-orc attempts to punch you in anger and then returns to beating on the drow |
| 11-15 |
The half-orc grabs a rope and ties up the drow, stopping the beating |
| 16-20 |
The half-orc pulls his fellow away from the frenzy and calms him down. |
1d20 Persuasion Check 16 +3 = 19
] The half-orc pulls his friend away from the frenzyied beating and calms him down. It may be too late however, the half-elf drow is lying still on the ground, blooded and barely recognizable.
] You each notice an odd smell in the air. Khi-Khi turns back to the fire “Help me pull him out of the flames!” And she begins grab a booted foot. Two of the humans rush over and help lift the dead half-ord out of the fire pit. His head and chest disfigured with the heat.
Deynn] “We won’t get much by questioning the drow, she appears gone. Can you tell how the soldier died Khi-Khi? ”
] Khi-Khi “I only saw what you all saw. It did seem like a reaction to poison, but I could not tell you what kind of poison would have that affect. You might search the drow… see if she has anything on her to prove she administered the poison somehow.”
Roonoo] “There’s an idea.” I go over and begin looking through the pockets of the bloody drow.
] As you are searching, you hear a faint groan and realize she is not yet dead.
Roonoo] “Hey! She is still alive here.”
Deynn] “Tie her hands and feet, just to be careful…” I play my flute to magically restore 4d4 HP to everyone who can hear me.
] The drow woman revives but appears confused, traumatized. She struggles against the rope binding her hands and feet. “Help me.” She says – somewhat pitifully…
Deynn] “Why did you poison this soldier?” I say to her
] Drow “Poison? What do you mean? I didn’t… I have nothing to do with any poison. ”
] Half-orc “Yer a drow ain’t cha!? Drows love poison I hear!”
] Drow “I’m a half-blood… the drow hate me as much as you surface tribes… more probably… they would kill me on sight.”
Roonoo] “A lot of surface folk would too. What are you doing here?”
] Drow “I’m just traveling… heading towards Waterdeep… I suppose… look I don’t really know what I’m doing here… I thought I found someone in Neverwinter who would help me, take me in… give me work… but that didn’t… I have nowhere… maybe you should kill me.”
] Deynn, your magically enhanced insight is warning you of deception yet at the same time, it is telling you the drow needs your protection.
Deynn] “We are not getting the whole story here. Did you find anything Roonoo? Anything to indicate she used poison or even knows how?”
Roonoo] “Nothing. She has no weapons either. I took her for a professional assassin when I first saw her, she is Drow after all… but it would seem she cannot even defend herself.”
] The Drow tells you “My bow is in my tent. It is my only weapon… I use it for hunting.”
] Khi-Khi says to the two half-orcs “What say you? Do you think she could have killed your friend?”
] The half-orcs stammer a bit “Don’t know… but who else then?”
] Khi-Khi “Would any have reason?” She looks around at everyone. Each is shaking their head. “And what reason would this half-drow have to kill your fellow… did he have any interactions with her at all beforehand?” They indicate ‘no’.
] The Drow says “Please… kill me or free me. I’ve spent enough of my life in fetters. I harbor no hostility towards any of you.”
] Your magical insight suggests to you Deynn, that she is being fully honest in this. You also feel an unexplained compassion towards her.
Deynn] “I believe her. What say the rest of you?”
] No one argues. The half-orcs lift their fellow and carry his body outside the circle of the waystop and into the night. The humans sit back down around the fire and call for more drink and music.
Roonoo] I untie the half-drow, but I remain suspicious of her… she is drow. “You might want to spend the rest of the night in your tent spiderkin.”
] The half-blood drow does exactly that, disappears into her canvas tent for the remainder of the evening.
Deynn] “It is difficult to defend… but I think we need to protect the drow. I think, somehow, she needs us and perhaps… we will need her.”
Roonoo] “Sparing her life is one thing… but I will choke on the idea of taking her under our wing. That is an easy way to get ourselves dead.”
Deynn] “I know it is naïve… I know I am too often naïve… and I cannot explain myself in this. She has both evil and good within her, like us all… and the good has enough strength to win out. I don’t know how I know it – I suspect it has to do with this amulet I wear.” I hold it out to show Roonoo and Khi-Khi.
] Khi-Khi says “That is the same emblem from the Sildars shield… Why did you not show me this before?”
Deynn] “I honestly did not suspect it to be enchanted, at the time, I thought only to honor the ones who wore it before me.”
] Khi-Khi looks a bit sternly at you… “It would help if you told me the whole story Deynn… who did you get these emblems from? When? How?”
Deynn] “It was the day before we met. I was walking from Helms Hold to Neverwinter when I saw a portal open up high in the sky. Two humans fell out of the portal – I cannot say for certain… but at the time it was like their bodies just sort of rolled out into the sky. They did not step out, or jump out… but rolled out, like someone else had just pushed their bodies through the portal. I went to see if I could help them but they were well beyond help. I buried their bodies and kept the shield and the amulet. Oh, and this coin pouch – it also bares the same emblem of a flaming shield.”
] Khi-Khi looks at the emblem again and says “Dawnguard…”
Deynn] “The fact that two bodies fall out of the sky is a strange thing… the fact that I was there to witness it… even stranger. I dare not assume it to be a mere coincidence.”
] Khi-Khi nods “Absolutely… one should not think otherwise. I will see what I can learn about this Dawnguard. Do you mind if I identify the enchantments on the amulet and the coin pouch?”
Deynn] “You think even the coin pouch is enchanted? By all means, please tell me what you can about them.”
] Khi-Khi pulls out her spellbook, some components and the pearl you gave her and casts Identify
] Khi-Khi “The amulet is an Insight Emblem. It magically increases your intuition, making it very difficult to decieve you. Like the shield, it has some special purposes against the undead. It will also help you in combat… anticipating the actions of your opponents in various ways. This is a very complex enchantment however… while it is not sentient… it seems as if it somehow grows with one it is attuned to. Your actions influence its powers… the direction and the strength of its powers. It will not allow itself to be attuned with someone of evil intent and further… it encourages and rewards good intent with greater power. I’ve read of this sort of enchantment before, but they were records of items from other planes of existence… this sort of enchantment is not native to our world here on Toril. The coin pouch is not so complex… but it is connected to the amulet somehow. Basically, you will never be poor as long as you carry both. When you spend any coin from this pouch to meet a true need the coin will reappear. The amulet helps you determine whether the need is true or no.”
Deynn] “Would this amulet explain why I feel compassion towards the drow?”
] Khi-Khi “Yes, definitely. And I say you should follow that compassion to where it leads you, even into danger.”
Deynn] “Roonoo? I know it is asking a lot, and I will honor your instincts here… but I feel like we should invite the drow to join us.”
Roonoo] “I minute ago, I would have walked away back home for such a suggestion… but your story makes me think it no coincidence that I am here with you. Truthfully, I won’t sleep while a drow is nearby… but if there are enchanted powers from other worlds suggesting she belongs with us, so let it be. Who am I disrupt fate.”
Deynn] “I don’t know that it is fate… but it certanly seems beyond random chance. I will go talk with her.” I walk over to the tent of the drow. “Hello? Can we speak?”
] The half-drow pulls the tent flap aside and steps out. “Yes, we can speak.” she says
Deynn] “I don’t know how or why… but I know you wanted that beating to occur earlier. I know you are hiding some things and I suspect that you are quite skillful in deceit… however… I also know that you spoke truthly when you said you intended none of us harm. I may be a fool for it… but I would like to ask you to join us. We travel East to Phandalin in the morning. I cannot promise you much, but if you truly have no place, we invite you to have one with us for a time.”
] You see just slight hints of emotion cross her face. There is brief sorrow and even briefer elation and a quick conclusion of confusion. “You mean that? I didn’t think that… I mean… why?”
Deynn] “I can’t say I know why… It just feels like what should happen. If you want of course…”
] “If I join your party” she says “you surely know that you will be hated by others for it.”
Deynn] “I had not considered that… but even though you are likely correct, the offer stands. My name is Deynn K’Vyll.”
] Koza “I am called Koza and I think they will soon call us both crazy but I will join you.”
Next:
Previous:
Appreciation
Collaboration
] Recap: You are in an anceint mining complex searching for your friend from the the Treyvigg Monastery – Olilrasi. Yesterday forenight, Joloobo and Rasi were out behind the monastery (the “Backyard” of the grounds) when a female deep gnome came running towards you… mysteriously out of a storage shed along the northern cliff wall of the grounds. She attacked Joloobo with a massive milky-colored staff, nearly killing you. When you awoke, Rasi was missing along with the staff. The deep gnome was later questioned and claims to not remember anything after having come into contact with the staff while mining in a secret location under the monastery. You assumed Rasi may have been possessed of the staff, as was the miner, and then followed her the trail thru the Vale of Soxolone and into the crevasse opening on the far northern side of the valley.
] After some exploring and tracking, you encountered a large circular chasm inside a cavern area. There is a floating platform in the middle of the hole. Three Gloom Goblins (which can transform into hideous beast-like spiders) began to attack you. The combat did not go well – two escaped down a tunnel on the NW side of the chasm leaving you restrained in webs. Joloobo, who was not able to catch up in time to engage in the combat finally arrives to find you struggling with the webbing.
Joloobo] “Welll…. Looks like that could have gone better… are either of you hurt?”
Yisi] “Just embarrassed Joloobo. Could you lend a hand here?”
] With some help from Joloobo, you are both freed of the spider webbing.
Yisi] “Chances are they will return with reinforcements… we should march. Any idea which of these tunnels Rasi went thru?”
Joloobo] “I saw nothing at the other 3 tunnels, so it would seem we are following the spiders.”
Valea] “Great! This one has tiny urge to make spider paste.”
] You follow the tunnel leading North-Northwest away from the chasm. The tunnel slopes down fairly steeply and the footing is loose and difficult terrain. The tunnel begins to wind around to the left, limiting your visibility. Shortly you begin to hear someone coming up the tunnel from below… a large number of someones to be more precise.
Yisi] “Aha, my fears have arrived… they found their reinforcements quickly did they not? Shall we retreat?”
Valea] “Valea has no room to fight in this rock tube.”
Joloobo] “I agree… retreat!”
] The three of you race back to the landing that circles the chasm. To your right is the rock slide blocking your way. To your left the pathway circles and there are three other tunnels breaking off to the left of the pathway.
Joloobo] “In here, quickly!” I whisper “before they see us”
Yisi] We duck into the first tunnel on the left and race to find a spot to hide.
] There is only a short stretch of tunnel before you have to duck through ancient support beams. Beyond the supports, you enter into a large chamber. The space feels like the inside of a globe as there is no clear difference between wall and floor and ceiling. Joloobo – you get the sense of the space being familiar as the three of you step all the way into the room.
Joloobo] “Wait! Stop!” I go back to the entrance support beams and feel for a force wall.
] You cannot reach beyond the beams – an invisible force wall is preventing your exit.
Joloobo] “Ogre balls! We’re trapped!”
] You notice a few of the goblin sort of folk just standing out at the tunnel entrance with their backs to you as if standing guard.
Yisi] “You mean this room is like the one you were trapped in before?” I go to feel the entrance as well.
] You have the same experience – you cannot exit the chamber.
Valea] “What now? Maybe we can find another way out?”
Joloobo] “We can try, but I suspect the force wall is actually some sort of sphere. Look at the shape of the room… even if we could dig into the walls further, I don’t think we would get very far. Look out there… we are being guarded by those creepy gobbies. We fell right into their trap.”
Yisi] “We are not the only ones… look at all the corpses in here!”
Joloobo] “Yeah… the other trap has some corpses… but no where near this many. What does that mean?”
Yisi] “More traffic in this area?”
Joloobo] I inspect the bones.
1d20 Investigation 9 +6 = 15
] Many of the bones are cracked and broken – like the ones in the other chamber. This time you notice that many of them are much fresher. You see teeth marks on the bones as if something was eating the flesh right off of them.
Joloobo] “This is not good. Look here… these poor folk were eaten. That is what kind of trap this is… it is a source of food for something.”
Yisi] “Perhaps there is something here which will help us face whatever arrives.”
Valea] “Nothing helped these that fell here before us no?”
Joloobo] “I’m with Yisi… search the place.”
] Scattered around the large chamber are the remains of at least 30 or more bodies. Over half were geared for adventure. You find a few suits of plate and of several chain mail armor. There are various swords, staffs, and axes along with a large hammer. Joloobo – you find a pack stuffed full with smaller treasure, including:
1,300 pp
Black opal (translucent dark green with black mottling and golden flecks),
Blue sapphire (transparent blue-white to medium blue)
Emerald (transparent deep bright green), ×2
Star sapphire (translucent blue sapphire with white star-shaped center), ×3
Gold ring set with bloodstones (250gp)
Gold locket with a painted portrait inside (50gp)
Carved bone statuette (20gp)
Embroidered silk handkerchief (25gp)
Pair of engraved bone dice (25gp)
A decorative mithril bracelet (??gp)
A dagger of pure silver (Dagger of Warning)
A polished agate (Stone of Good Luck)
Necklace – Bead of Force x6
In another pack you find several potions:
Potion of Superior Healing x5
Potion of Frost Giant Strength
Potion of Heroism x3
Potion of Fire Breath
Joloobo] “We have to get out of here now… we just hit a treasure trove! Look at this… someone already collected all the good stuff into a single pack for us!”
Valea] “This one is sure the last person thought the same… but yes… we have to get out of here.”
Joloobo] “Valea, I think this mithral bracer will look just lovely on that furry forearm of yours.”
] The bracer is made of looslely linked ovals made of mithral. It appears to be oa mastercrafted item and gives off a faint glow.
Yisi] “My moon… that is quite beautiful Valea. I’m no wizard, but that surely has some enchantment within it.”
Valea] “Lovely indeed. Valea is pleased with the gnomes gift.”
Joloob] “And for Yisi… this manly necklace of black beads. Careful… I’ve heard of necklaces like this which contain magic spells…. Throw a bead and it becomes a fireball or something.”
Yisi] “That could come in handy. Looking at these weapons, I’d say from base instinct that several of them are enchanted. Look at this beautiful double scimitar…” I unsheathe one of the blades.
] The metal of the double-bladed glows with the intensity of a full moon.
Yisi] “Makes me wish I had practiced more in blade lessons…”
] “Perhaps there will still be time for practice.” you all hear a voice say from the entrance of the chamber. Looking, you see a small figure with long black hair and a long pointy hat. He is relaxed backwards as if sitting in an invisible lounging chair. With his hands he is lighting a long pipe.
Yisi] I take a ready stance with the blade in my hands. “Who are you?”
] “A friend. Yes indeed… and you look to need a friend right now.”
Joloobo] “We need a way out of this trap. Since you are in here with us… what help can you be?”
] The smoke of the pipe fills the room with a sweet aroma. The man chuckles. “We have more difficult problems than that.” and he disappears and reappears in the tunnel beyond the force wall for a moment and then returns to his invisible lounge chair. “Getting to other places is not the problem. You have a friend in trouble. The blind one with a sword in her walking cane… she is fighting for her life even at this moment. I also have a friend who is, at this moment, fighting for her life in another place.”
Valea] “What does pointy hat want?”
] “Call me Rey Ko Toh. Of course… “pointy hat” works too… I have a deal for you. I help you help your friend and then you help me help my friend. Of course, both tasks shall be quite dangerous but it better than sitting here waiting to have the flesh ripped from your bones. Have we a deal?”
Yisi] “We don’t know you… and so far, we have no reason to trust you… but… Anything is better than waiting to have my flesh ripped from my bones… You say you can help our friend?”
] Rey Ko Toh “To be specific… I can get you to the place where you can help your friend. The rest of the saving will be on you. Should you succeed… I will need to get you to the place where you can help my friend.”
Valea] “Why we pointy-hat?”
Yisi] “What Valea means is… out of all of the adventurers in the Sword Coast… why are you talking to us in particular?”
] Rey Ko Toh “I have a very good reason why you… but not very good words for it. Let me say this… my friend is very important to me and my instinct tells me that – out of all of the adventurers in the Sword Coast – my friend will become very important to you as well. Save her once and she will save you many times over. But we have spent too much time talking. Even now your friend is well-outnumbered and in great need of allies… Have we a deal?”
Valea] “Deal.”
Yisi] “Yes. Deal. Joloobo?”
Joloobo] “Anything to help Rasi. Deal”
] “Then come together.” Rey Ko Toh stands and joins you in a circle. Suddenly, as if you blinked, you are in a much larger chamber. The ceiling is thick with spider webbing. A fire burns hot beside consuming the aged wood of crates and carts and anything it can reach. Rey Ko Toh is not in the room with you. You see Rasi with the large staff in her hands in combat with a male drow and several of the Gloom Goblins you encountered earlier. The drow is fighting with a rapier and appears to be toying with Rasi at the moment. A boyish grin across his dark purple face. Rasi is flanked by two beastly spider goblin things.
| Init |
Char |
AC |
ATK |
HP |
| 20 |
Joloobo |
18 |
+6 1d6 +4 |
37 24 20 |
| 19 |
Valea |
18 |
+7 2d4 +7 |
37 |
| 16 |
GG01 |
15 |
+4 1d6 +2 Scimitar
+5 1d6 +3 Bite |
|
15 00 |
| 16 |
GG02 |
15 |
|
15 00 |
| 14 |
Yisi |
18 20 |
+7 2d4 +7 |
34 |
| 13 |
Orn (Drow) |
19 |
+6 1d8 +4 |
78 51 61 41 09 |
| 4 |
Rasi |
18 |
+6 1d4 +4 |
24 |
| 3 |
GG03 |
15 |
|
15 00 |
| 3 |
GG04 |
15 |
|
15 00 |
| 2 |
GG05 |
15 |
|
15 00 |
| 2 |
GG06 |
15 |
|
15 01 |
Joloobo] I drop the packs I’m carrying and go straight for the beasts (GG01, GG02) flanking Rasi. I use psychic blades from the back
2d20a Attack 17 +6 = 23 [Hit] Dmg (1d6 + 2d6 Sneak) 11 +4 = 15
2d20a Attack 12 +6 = 18 [Hit] Dmg (1d4 +2d6 Sneak) 11 +4 = 15
] Your psychic blades spin into the vunerable blind spots of the werespiders flanking Rasi. The room echoes with their unnatural screeching before they drop to the ground.
Valea] I flank and attack the Drow
2d20a Attack 9 +7 = 16 [Miss]
2d20a Attack (Flurry) 16 +7 = 23 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 1 +7 = 8
2d20a Attack (Flurry) 17 +7 = 24 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 2 +7 = 9 +3 +7 = 19
] You deliver a series of devasting blows to the Drow with your Basto Sticks. You hear him grunt and groan under the assault. As you are attacking, you happen to notice under the leather bracer on his right arm, a few oval links made of mithril. You cannot see the entir bracelet but your half-a-second’s worth of impression is that he is wearing the match to the bracelet Joloobo just gave you in the trap chamber.
Yisi] I cast Haste using the sash around my torso to prepare for this battle. I hear the words from Rey Ko Toh sort of echo in my head… Rasi needs an ally. I’m not sure that Rasi is aware of any of this… but I do know she is going to be needing her body once we get the spirit that possessed her to leave. It feels a bit reckless to turn my back on that spirit but… I use my movement to take a defense position directly between Rasi and the Drow. I push Rasi back a little and use Dodge. “Let us help!” I say to her, or it, or whatever.
] You had the double-scimitar in your hands before Rey Ko Toh transported you here. Is it still in your hands? Still one blade unsheathed?
Yisi] Yes. I hold it similar to how I saw Guide Dawndra use her Ice Pike when teaching us the defender skills.
] As the light coming off of the magical scimitar blade hits the Drow, it begins to tremble and shake… and transform. Huge hairy legs sprout out of its back. Similar to how the Gloom Goblins shifted into spider like beasts, the Drow is transforming into a giant spider except that it seems uncontrollable and extremely painful.
] Rasi/Sharpfangs turns her sightless attention to one of the spider minions circling her (GG03). [()] With two quick slashes of her blade she drops one of the grotesque creatures. Another attacks her [()] its beastly teeth sinking into her white hide.
] Another (GG05) attacks Joloobo [()] you feel the spider jaws clamp down on you (5 piercing damage) CON Saving Throw
Joloobo]
1d20 CON Save 9 +1 = 10 [Fail]
] You feel venom seeping into your skin where the teeth raked. (8 poison damage). [Joloobo does not know it yet… but he was just cursed with werespider lycanthropy] The remaining Gloom Goblin spiderbeast ()GG06) has taken high ground and attempts to restrain you (Joloobo) with a web attack [()] but misses.
Joloobo] “Oww! That hurt! And so will this!” With psychic blades, I attack the spider gobbie that just bit me.
1d20 Attack 13 +6 = 19 [Hit] Dmg (1d6) 5 +4 = 9
1d20 Attack 18 +6 = 24 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 2 +4 = 6
] Shimmering blades appear in your hands and you deftly plunge them into the Gloom Goblin where they disappear. The pitiful creature wretches and dies.
] The Drow is still in process of transforming. The armor he had been wearing broke away and fell to the ground along with his rapier. Valea, you notice that one of the spider legs still has mithril bracelet on it – it appears to be unbreakable as the limb within it shifts into a large hairy spider leg.
Valea] I take advantage of the situation and attack after charging Furious Force.
2d20a Attack 16 +7 = 23 [Hit] Dmg (2d4) 7 +7 = 14 +6 Force = 20
] Your Basto Sticks gleam with deep green arcane light. As the strike, the mutating creature is electrified with the same color for a split second. [()] The giant werespider is pushed 10 feet away from you – directly towards the fire that is seeking more food [()] but it does not get close enough to the fire to take damage. The creature seems to be nearly fully transformed now.
Yisi] The giant spider seems the greatest threat in the room… I drop the double-scimitar and charge in to attack with my Trisula.
2d20a Attack 9 +7 = 16 [Miss]
2d20a Attack (xtra Haste) 18 +7 = 25 [Hit] Dmg (2d4) 5 +7 = 12
2d20a Attack (Flurry) 17 +7 = 24 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 4 +6 = 10
2d20a Attack (Flurry) 20 Crit 4 +6 = 10 +10 +12 = 32
] While the creature is still incapacited by the transformation process, you slide under the massive spider and find vital points to plunge your daggers into. You see a weak spot and drive your foot into it and the drow werespider lets out an unholy screech that pierces all ears in the large cavern. CON Save everyone
Yisi]
1d20 CON 17 +2 = 19 [Save]
Valea]
1d20 CON 20 [Save]
Jolooo]
1d20 CON 12 +1 [Save… barely…]
] Rasi [()]
] Rasi drops the staff and her sword and grabs at her ears. The giant werespider senses an opportunity and jumps towards the blind dragonborn. [Yisi opp attack]
Yisi] As the spider exits my range, I attempt another jab
1d20 Attack 4 + 7 = 11 [Miss]
] The werespider tramples Rasi to the ground. There is a brief flash of brilliant white that blots out the entire room. It takes your eyes a second to recover. When they do… you see Rasi wrestling with Rasi… the giant spider creature is no longer visible and instead you see an exact duplicate of Rasi.
] One of the transformed Gloom Goblins (GG04) attacks Yisi [()] but fails to bite into you. The other (GG06) seems intent on spraying Joloobo with restraining goop from the thick webs on the ceiling [()] but is unsuccessful. It drops down on you and tries to bite you [()] successfully. You take 4 piercing damage… CON Save against werespider venom
Joloobo] “Oooh….Hagteeth!”
1d20 CON 16 +1 = 17 [Save]
Joloobo] “You will not be biting me again! Foul beastie!” I attack
1d20 Attack 17 +6 = 23 [Hit] Dmg (1d6) 2 +4 = 6
1d20 Attack 12 +6 = 18 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 4 +4 = 8 +6 = 14
] The Gloom Goblin takes massive damage from your psychic blades. [()]
| 6-7 |
The creature can’t take reactions and has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the end of its next turn. |
Valea] “Which Rasi does Valea whack with stick?” I look around the room to evaluate my options here…
] Aside from the two different Rasi’s fighting each other…. You see one Gloom Spider attacking Yisi and another fighting with Joloobo and appears to be staggering from Joloobo’s last attack. All of the others have returned to their original goblin-ish form and lie still as death on the cavern ground.
Valea] “Valea help Yisi first… then figure out which Rasi is Rasi.” I flank the spider engaged with Yisi [GG04].
2d20a Attack 12 +7 = 19 [Hit] Dmg (2d4) 4 +5 = 9
2d20a Attack 9 +7 = 16 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 1 +5 = 6 Total 15
] A couple of well-placed strikes bring stillness to the creature. It falls and slowly begins to transform back into its goblin shape.
Valea] “Now what Yisi? Look! How to help Rasi?”
Yisi] “Not sure… maybe we just stop them from fighting any more?” I attempt a grapple on one of the Rasi’s I see.
1d20 Strength 9 +2 = 11
[()]
]] How to do this? Random? Orn is Odd, Rasi is Even? 1d4 = 2… Yisi attempts to grapple Rasi with an 11. Rasi Ath check 14 +3 = 17
] You pull one of the Rasi’s back and try to restrain the white dragonborn but you are unsuccessful. Rasi wrestles away from you and dives towards the 8ft long staff still lying on the ground. [()] She rolls and snatches the staff up and then charges the other Rasi. Rather than using the staff as a weapon, she runs up to the other Rasi and forces the staff sideways into the jaws of the other Rasi and then collapses to the ground.
] The illusion is broken and you see the giant werespider holding the staff in its teeth. It scurries up the wall and into the massive nest of webbing on the ceiling you see movement in the web but only briefly. The remaining transformed Gloom Goblin follows quickly behind the retreating giant.
Yisi] “What just happened?”
Joloobo] “Rasi!” I race to see if she is ok.
] Rasi is alive but unconscious. She appears badly injured.
Valea] “This one is so confused… This is real Rasi now? Real-real Rasi? Not spooky Rasi or Spider Rasi? Oh so confusing…”
Yisi] “Here, see if you can give her a potion Joloobo.” I had one of the 4d4 healing potions to him.
] Rasi regains 9 HP but remains unconscious
Joloobo] “We have to get her back to the monastery. Elder Ysthorn can help her I’m sure.”
] “We will get her to help, to home.” You hear the voice of Rey Ko Toh and suddenly he is standing among you. “Well done heroes, you saved your friend. Now gather your things… I will be right back.” He touches the shoulder of the unconscious Rasi and they both disappear.
Yisi] I gather my pack and the double-scimitar.
Valea] I also grab my pack and then glance around the room for the mithril bracelet I saw the drow wearing.
] You do not find the bracelet. The rapier which he was using lies on the floor, as does Rasi’s cane sword.
Valea] “Rasi may want this back.” I pick up both the Rapier and the cane sword.
Joloobo] I gather my things as well.
] You have been heading South from Silverymoon on the Evermoor way for just over a day with Abbiree – High Priestess of Selune. You are currently along the Northern side of The High Forest – your only home for the past 30 years since your birth. The Lost Peaks rise up before you, but appear strange to you from this side. You expect to reach Calling Horns by end of day and from there Conyberry is another 2 days travel.
] Abbiree has briefed you on the mission you are helping her with. She is carrying a very important artifact which must be delivered to a little town along the Triboar Trail called Conyberry. You will be meeting Sister Garaelle from the temple of luck and then escorting her and the artifact to a critical meeting not far from Conyberry. Without revealing a lot of details, Abbiree tells you she hopes to learn the location of another artifact – a very powerful spellbook, one she has been searching for over several years now. The mission has become urgent because she needs to keep this spellbook out of the hands of the Red Wizards. Much hope in Faerun would be lost should they gain the artifact first.
Ileel] “Tell us, Abbiree, of the Red Wizards? You mentioned them as if we should know them. We know very little of the world outside High Forest – but we need to learn.”
] Abbiree says “Your Lady Aeri, and certainly your Wild Queen, as you call her, knows of the Red Wizards. There were originally the ruling class of a land called Thay – far to the East of here. As they have gained more and more power – life in all of our lands is under threat. At the head of their group is a powerful Lich – as evil as an Lich ever was… maybe more…”
Leely] “A lich? As in undead? Are all of the Red Wizards undead?” I ask Abbiree.
] “No, not all of them. Many of them are necromancers however and share the Lich’s goals in Faerun.” Abbiree says
Ileel] “We were taught that necromancers unbalance the whole of life and poison the forests. That the dead must be dead for the sake of the living and that the undead are an evil blight upon all life on Toril. We fucking hate necromancers.”
] Abbiree smiles at your choice of words… “And well you should – they torture both the living and the dead. The Red Wizards are a terrifying force in Faerun, but too many sit by idle while they continue grasping more and more power. This is why our quest is so dire. The artifact we seek will aid the stand against the Red Wizards. But should they acquire it first… well… let’s just say much hope will be lost among the living.”
Leely] “See Ileel! This assignment is so much more important than merely being bodyguards!”
] “Indeed it is Leely. Sister Garaelle has been in negotiations with the last known owner of the artifact. I should warn you early… we will be meeting with a powerful Banshee – and an unpredictable one at that. So far, Sister Garaelle has not suffered any violence when meeting with the banshee – but we must be prepared for… shh!” Abbiree breaks off the discussion with a sudden panic’d look to the skies… “Quick, gain cover!” she whispers and directs her mount into the trees on your left.
Ileel] I guide Nalya to follow Abbriee. Looking up, do I see anything? [Perception check]
Result Table
| 1-7 |
You cannot tell what Abbiree is talking about |
| 8-15 |
You hear the slow movement of large flapping wings |
| 16-20 |
You hear the slow movement of large flapping wings and see a large dragon-shaped shadow cross over the Evermoor Way. |
Ileel]
() 1d20 Perception check 8 +6 = 14
] As you search the skies you can clearly hear the slow movement of large flapping wings. You can tell the direction it is coming from and heading by observing the small birds escaping from what they see coming.
Leely] I whisper… “Dragon?” as I follow Ileel and Abbiree.
] The three of you hurry into a densely wooded area of the High Forest. Leely being the last in line entering the trees as the beast fly overhead, [Stealth check]
Result Table
| 1-10 |
You fail to reach cover in time and you are spotted by the dragon overhead |
| 11-20 |
You safely reach the cover of the trees before the dragon is within sight. As far as you know, the dragon has not yet spotted you |
Leely]
() 1d20 Stealth 2 +4 = 6
] You fail to reach cover in time and you hear a roar that sounds like a scream escaping from a molten pit.
[()] (Does the dragon stop to investigate the wood elf it saw on the roadway? No)
] The sound of the wings begins to fade – it sounds like what ever it is decided keep flying and not to eat you… right now at least. As the flapping sound grows faint you notice another sound, from deeper in the forest, the sound of a young girl struggling and in despair.
Leely] “Do you hear that? Someone needs help. This way!” and I race Aylan towards where I hear the girl.
Ileel] I look to Abbiree and shrug “This is how she is…” then I follow after Leely.
] As you are racing into the forest on your mounts, your direction is confirmed by a nearby scream. Seconds later, you arrive the source – a young Wood-Elf is caught in a Giant Spiders web. The monsterous orb is climbing down towards its fresh breakfast.
Ileel] I draw my bow and fire while still riding Nalya, hopefully distracting the spider from its course.
() 2d20a Attack 16 +8 = 22 [Hit] Dmg
] The black-laced arrow flies true and plunges into the body of the giant spider. It jerks in its web and lets out a terrifying screech-like sound and then turns its attention to the oncoming attackers.
| Init |
Character |
AC |
ATK |
HP |
| 17 |
GS |
14 |
+5 1d8+3 |
26 19 10 07 03 00 |
| 15 |
Abbiree |
|
|
|
| 12 |
Leely |
18 |
+7 1d8+5 |
24 15 08 |
| 8 |
Ileel |
18 |
+7 1d6+5 |
24 |
[()] The Giant Spider sprays Abbiree and her mount with restraining webs. [()] Abbiree struggles to break free of the webbing and succeeds enough to free her arms but is still effectively glued to her horse, which is effectively glued to the ground.
Leely] I draw my sword and race in for an attack. As I do, my silk robes draw to my body, becoming as my skin – ready for action.
() 1d20 Attack 12 +7 = 19 [Hit]
] Just as the Giant Spider has stepped down out of its web to confront its attackers, you strike with a piercing blow into the giant body. Green gel spurts as your blade sinks into the creature.
Ileel] I search for a nearby blind I can use to fire arrows from.
Result Table
| 1-14 |
There are many trees in this area but none apparently provide an ideal spot to quickly climb into and attack from |
| 15+ |
You spot a large branch that is both reachable and ideal as a blind |
() 1d20 Perception 19 +6 = 25
] You quickly spot a large branch that is reachable with some effort and ideal as a hidden blind from which to fire arrows into the combat field.
Ileel] I use my Dark Mantle to obscure my actions and intent. I guide Nayla towards the tree I want to fire from. I ready to jump as she leaps into the air at my prompt. I jump from her back into the tree.
Result Table
| 1-12 |
You leap from Nayla but your timing is off. You use the remainder of your actions this turn to finish the climb into the tree blind |
| 13+ |
You leap with graceful agility into the tree and land confidently on the large branch – your right hand already reaching for an arrow |
() 1d20 Acrobatics 17 +7 = 24
] You leap with graceful agility into the tree and land confidently on the large branch – your right hand already reaching for an arrow
Ileel] As soon as I find my footing in the tree, I turn an fire another arrow into the Giant Spider.
() 1d20 Attack 19 +8 = 27 [Hit] Dmg 9
] The Giant Spider is skewered in the side – two of its legs appear to go limp. It turns its attention to Leely who is standing immediately in front of it, attacking with a bite.
[()]
] Thick Spider fangs sink onto Leely’s shoulder, injecting venom into the flowing wound.
Leely] “Arrgghh!”
() 1d20 Constitution Save 5 +0 = 5 [Fail! – 9 Poison Dmg]
] Abbiree begins casting a spell with her hands freed. The monster spider shrieks in pain as a result of the attacking spell, but seems to remain focused on digging it’s fangs deeper into Leely
Leely] I attack again with my sword, stabbing into the throat area of the spider.
() 1d20 Attack 8 +7 = 15 [Hit] Dmg 04
] Your sword disrupts the spiders bite and it you are covered with green slime from the entry point of your blade.
Ileel] I fire another arrow.
() 1d20 Attack 20 + 8 [Critical Hit!] Dmg 21
] Your arrow strikes deep into the creatures brain and it drops, right down on top of Leely, knocking her Prone and Restrained by the crushing weight of the spider corpse. Abbiree hears Leely grunt as she receives the extra damage and rushes to help her with a spell of Healing Word.
Ileel] “Shit! Shit! I didn’t see that happening! We need to free Leely now! Hoist the spider somehow!” I search for a branch that is strong and positioned well so I can get a rope over it and tied to the spider.
] Abbiree quickly frees her mount of the webbing so she can use his strength to pull the spider up once Ileel has her rope in place. Leely groans again from underneath the many-legged beast. Aylan is circling around Leely, wanting desperately to help but he cannot actually affect the spider corpse physically because he is essentially non-corporeal without Leely.
]] Leely] I can hear Aylan trying to get to me, whimpering like a little puppy. A memory arrives. Ileel and I were still only crawlers when Aylan and Nalya first appeared to us. They too were babies in appearance. I could not yet speak, but somehow I knew his name the moment he first licked my face. We did not know, nor did Lady Aeri or any of the teachers, that they were magical beings brought forth from the circlets embedded into our crowns by Meilikki. Mine was formed of beautiful frost diamond and Ileel’s from deep black obsidian. No one in the temple knew what the circlets meant nor what they were capable of. For a time, they later told us, there were efforts to have them removed because there was a strong fear that as our heads grew in size, the circlets might just kill us both. They soon discovered that trying to remove them without killing us was impossible . They rightly assumed that there was magic in play and it became clear that the circlets were actually growing with us, not only in size, but also in power.
Aylan and Nalya were the first powers demonstrated … my white circlet brought Aylan forth, a white dire wolf, and Ileels black circlet brought Nalya – a black dire panther. Most of the time only we can see and feel them, and they seem to us as real to us as any creature. For a long time, no one else could see them and they thought them the mere imaginary playthings of little children. One day a giant rat attacked us and several other children as we were playing together. Both Aylan and Nalya defended us – appearing to the rat as fearsome predators – but also seen by the other children and several teachers who were rushing to save us. Besides Ileel and myself, no one has ever felt them however – their hands just pass right through them like a ghost… but we can feel them as warm living friends, and we can hear them. After several years together growing up in the temple, we learned we could ride on them like mounts. They are somehow able to draw from our physical touch and become corporeal – but only while in contact with us… if we are not touching them, they cannot affect material reality. The power of our circlets continues to grow so I assume will Aylan and Nalya.
] With the rope secured on both ends, Abbiree guides her horse to start pulling. The rope strains and Ileel looks to see if she chose a strong enough branch [Survival]
Result Table
| 1-12 |
The branch is thick but rotted inside from a sickness affecting the entire tree. The branch breaks and falls to the ground with the weight |
| 13+ |
The branch is thick and strong and the weight of the dead giant spider is successfullly displaced |
() 1d20 Survival 12 +6 = 18 [Success]
] The weight of the dead giant spider is displaced enough to pull Leely to safety. At first, she appears dazed as if in some other world but the light returns to her eyes
Leely] “The wood-elf girl! Is she ok?” I look to the spider’s web which had trapped the girl
] She is hanging limp and no longer struggling to free herself. She appears as though dead
Leely] I grab up my sword and scabbard and rush to the girl. I touch her and cast Radiant Cure, using power from my sword’s scabbard.
] The young wood-elf begins to awaken and after just a half-second of consciousness, she returns to her frenzy of struggle and panic.
Ileel] “Calm down girl, you are safe now. Let us free you.” I use a small blade from my pack to cut away the webbing and free the girl.
] After several minutes, the girl calms down enough to recognize her plight is ended. She introduces herself as Ryliatha Cannowbrook and tries to explain what happened. “I heard a dragon flying overhead and I panic’d!” she says. “I began running, looking to the skies and ran right into that monsters web. I cannot possibly thank you enough for saving me!” She asks you for your names. Abbiree introduces herself by name only and does not mention her title as High Priestess.
Leely] “I am Leely and this is my sister Ileel. We are glad we could reach you in time. We also heard the dragon and took cover in the forest – that is how we discovered you struggling in the web.”
] Ryliatha insists that you come with her back to her nearby village so her father might properly reward you.
Ileel] “No reward necessary, and we have other matters which will not wait.”
] “I understand” she says. “Here – at least let me offer you this.” She pulls a necklace from around her head and gives it to you Ileel. It has a round silver emblem on it which appears like a moon with a raven crossing. “My father calls it a Moonglare and told me to never lose it. He said it is very powerful when I was older he would teach me to use it. But were I in the belly of a spider, it would never have done any good… so I use it now to reward my new friends to saved me. I must hurry home and let my tribe know of the dragon crossing our part of the forest. Please be safe friends, and I hope to see you again.”
Ileel] “My thanks, but this seems too much. Surely your father would prefer you kept it.”
] Ryaliatha has already turned and started into the forest.
Leely] “Thanks new friend!” I yell after her
] Abbiree “We should be on our way if we want to find a safe place to sleep tonight.”
Appreciation & Collaboration
] You have been traveling The High Road from the city of Neverwinter to settlement of Phandalin for over 2 days. With you is L’Khifrey Albrek-Roethorn, the daughter of Iarno Albrek of the Lords Alliance, and a Half-Elf Drow woman named Koza who you saved from being beaten to death by a couple of half-orcs in camp last night. A Half-Elf named Belteb is the owner of the cart hauling supplies. You expect to reach your destination by nightfall and meet up with Gundren Rockseeker and Sildar Hallwinter. The Triboar Trail is slow going compared to The High Road as it winds through rocky areas in the far-foot of the Sword Mountain. For the past 4 hours you have seen one ambush opportunity after another – it is a perfect terrain for bandits to do what they do to travelers and supply carts like yours. You have been on high-alert all day, stopping frequently to scout ahead.
] Currently, Roonoo is standing on the back of the cart keeping watch from behind and to the sides. Daine is walking along in front of the cart. The cart driver, Belteb, is more focused on his own feedbag than the two Oxen pulling the cart. As you round a bend you see trail blocked ahead of you by two dead horses. You can see each appears to have arrows sticking out of it. The terrain on either side of the Triboar Trail here is raised with dense high thickets leading into a forest on the North side and some rocky areas on the South side towards the Sword Mountains.
Deynn] I turn back to Belteb “Hold the cart! The road is blocked ahead. Could be an ambush spot. Best take some cover while I check it out.”
Roonoo] I move crates and barrels around so that Khi-Khi, Koza and Belteb can take cover in the back of the cart. Then I ready my shortbow – ducking behind a barrel (3/4 cover).
Deynn] I slowly walk towards the horses blocking the road, keeping close watch on the thickets to the North and the South.
[()]
] You do not see or hear anything on either side of the trail. As you get closer to the horse corpses, you see both have several black-feathered arrows sticking out of each. The horses seem familiar to you, one a large tan-colored Palomino and the other a small black mare. The saddlebags have been looted and tossed. You also notice leather cylindrical map case empty and lying on the ground.
[()]
] A barrage of arrows comes at you from either side of the trail. One of the attackers is clumsy about it and gives away it’s position in the thicket as it fires an arrow. Most of the arrows miss you entirely but two find their target
Deynn] I use my Reaction to catch one of the arrows (Deflect Missiles) and hurl it back at the attacker that gave away it’s position.
() 1d20 Attack 1 [Crit Fail]
] You instinctively snatch one of the incoming arrows out of the air and spin to fling it back at the creature you saw firing. It misses its target however and the maneuver allowed another arrow to graze you (5dmg)
| Init |
Character |
AC |
ATK |
HP |
| 22 |
Roonoo |
17 |
+7 1d8+7 |
33 |
| 19 |
G01 |
15 |
+4 1d6+2 |
9 |
| 19 |
G02 |
15 |
+4 1d6+2 |
9 |
| 17 |
G03 |
15 |
+4 1d6+2 |
9 |
| 17 |
G04 |
15 |
+4 1d6+2 |
9 |
| 13 |
Deynn |
17 |
+6 1d4+6 |
27 |
| 12 |
G05 |
15 |
+4 1d6+2 |
9 |
| 12 |
G06 |
15 |
+4 1d6+2 |
9 |
| 09 |
HG01 |
18 |
+3 1d8+1 |
15 04 00 |
| 09 |
HG02 |
18 |
+3 1d8+1 |
15 08 |
| 08 |
Koza |
17 |
+7 1d6+5 |
24 |
| 08 |
Khi-Khi |
14 |
|
24 |
Roonoo] I fire an arrow at the same attacker which gave away its position (G02)
() 1d20 Attack 15 +6 = 21 [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10
] Your arrow evokes a death squeal from the thicket. You all hear a few brief words of fright. Roonoo, you recognize the language as Goblin but do not understand the words. There is the sound of a small body falling into the thicket. Another round of arrows fly.
[()]
] Two arrows are launched towards Roonoo but miss, thunking into the wooden crates. Three more arrows attack Deynn from the North side and you both see a Goblin step out of cover to make the shot. (G04) One of the arrows hits you Deynn.
Deynn] I use a Reaction to catch the arrow and fling it back at the Goblin out of cover.
() 1d20 Attack 18 +6 = 22 [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10
] You hurl the caught arrow at the visible Goblin and it pierces its throat, spraying blood over the surrounding area.
Deynn] I use my Movement to run into the North side thicket and look for the other attackers. I yell to Roonoo “Stay with them – watch the South side”. Once inside the wooded area, can I see any other Goblins?
() 1d20 Perception 18 +6 = 24
] You see two other Goblins on the North side. (G01, G03) When they see you, they both panic and pull back into the more heavily wooded area.
] The Goblins on the South side (G05, G06) both fire towards Roonoo, but both arrows strike the Oxen. One glances off the shank of one Ox and the other is stabbed in the side. The Oxen begin pulling forward to escape the arrows.
Roonoo] “We are about to lose our cover!” I crouch down, dropping both the shortbox and my robe and picking up my Blackthorn. As the cart pulls closer to our attackers, I tell Belteb to stay down then I leap into the thicket on the South side.
[()]
] You jump from the moving cart. The close distance of the attack did reveal the hiding spots of two Goblins (G5, G6) They are crouched in the thicket about 15 feet apart from each other.
Roonoo] I rush after the closest Goblin (G6) and attack with my staff
() 1d20 Attack 14 +7 = 21 [Hit] Dmg 2 +7 = 9
] The goblin falls under a single powerful blow.
Roonoo] I use the rest of my movement to rip thru the thicket towards the other Goblin to engage it in combat and I use my Bonus Action for Aggression Tactics
[()]
] You successfully Intimidate the Goblin (G05 Crit fail) and it drops its shortbow and makes a high-pitched squeak. Seconds later you smell the unmistakable reek of Goblin shit.
] The panicing oxen continue to jerk the cart forward and Belteb tries to regain control with the reins. From the roadway just beyond the two dead horses, two Hobgoblins rush towards the cart. “Look!” yells Khi-Khi, “more coming at us!” Koza fires an arrow at one of them (HG01) [()] but the hobgoblin bats it away with its sword. Khi-Khi fires off Magic Missle at the same (HG01)
Deynn] I note the direction the two escaping Goblins are running thru the forested area and I try to calculate where I might stop them using Tree Stride. [Insight Check] I reach behind me to touch my flute and cast Tree Stride.
Result Table
| 1-5 |
You zig left while the Goblins zag right… they are lost from your sight |
| 6-13 |
You successfully determine the direction the Goblins will flee, but not their pace. You leap from tree to tree to your determined location but the Goblins are far ahead of you still |
| 14+ |
You successfully plot a pathway through the larger trees and step out of a large oak just a few feet in front of the scrambling Goblins, surprising them with your sudden appearance. |
Deynn]
() 1d20 Insight 14 +6 = 20
] You successfully plot a pathway through the larger trees and step out of a large oak just a few feet in front of the scrambling Goblins, surprising them with your sudden appearance.
Deynn] I attack the nearest Goblin (G1)
() 2d20a Attack 16 + 6 = 22 [Hit] Dmg 3 +6 = 9
] You land a fist powerfully into the nose of one of them (G1) and its face crumples inward. Its body falls dead.
[()]
] The other Goblin tries to halt its forward progress while also reaching for its Scimitar. The effort fails badly and it trips and falls prone at your feet, its weapon only halfway out of the sheath.
Deynn] I disarm the creature and check for any other weapons hidden on it, then I restrain the fallen Goblin then I start dragging it back to the road.
] Belteb manages to get the oxen to stop just before the two dead horses lying in the roadway. Khi-Khi and Koza are both still in the back of the wagon. The Hobgoblins mount an attack against [()] Koza from the right side of the wagon but she deftly escapes the long blades. She fires her bow at short range and spears one of them while Khi-Khi launches another round of her Magic Missle spell at the other. The beast falls backwards – apparently overwhelmed by the magical assault.
] Back on the South side of the road, Roonoo is engaged with the final Goblin (G5). (It is currently in a Shaken status and has -3 penalty on all Attacks and Saves and attacks against it have Advantage.) It looks confused about what is happening and seems unsure whether to draw a weapon or run.
[()]
] The Goblin uses Disengage to bolt away from you. Do you allow it to escape or pursue it into the Southern woods.
Roonoo] I chase after it, afraid it might alert others and return with backup.
] It begins to outrun you through the rocky terrain, but it runs into an area where it needs to climb about 8 feet up a rocky surface or turn around. In panic, it tries to climb.
[()]
] As you catch up to the Goblin, it has failed to climb far enough to get over the rocky hurdle.
Roonoo] I grab it and throw it to the ground. “Should I let you live or end your smelly life?” I ask it, not really expecting it can understand Common.
] “Live! Live!” The Goblin says and it throws its weapons and a small pouch onto the ground. “Let live!?”
Roonoo] “You speak Common? Perhaps I will let you live then.” I grab the pouch and drag the Goblin back to the cart.
] Khi-Khi and Koza have just finished dropping the other Hobgoblin when you both reach the roadway with your goblin captives. Roonoo, as you approach the cart you get a good look at the two dead horses in the roadway… you recognize the small black mare as Queen a’ Mine – the same horse you sold to Gundren just a few days earlier. The other is Sildar’s Palomino mount.
Roonoo] “That is Queen a’ Mine! And I recognize Sildars Palomino as well.” I am angry at the Goblins for killing the horses and now I think the Goblin who shit himself is no longer worthy of mercy… but I want to question him first to see if Gundren and Sildar are still alive.
] It is not an easy conversation, but you learn from the Goblins minimal Common that Sildar and Gundren were captured, not killed. They were taken to the hideout cave. When asked where the hideout was, the goblin pointed in roughly the same direction that the other two Goblins were fleeing towards when Deynn stopped them. You also learn that there lots of others in the tribe. They call themselves the Cragmaw. A Bugbear named Klarg is boss… they all hate Klarg. The only other thing you learn is that someone named King Grol told Klarg to capture the Dwarf named Rockseeker and that they must get his maps.
Roonoo] Once I think we got everything from the Goblin, my anger is so under pressure that I bash its head in and kick it to the side of the road.
Deynn] “Hey… That was not… necessary. Roonoo… while we are working together… I request that we would discuss things like when we are done questioning an informant, and perhaps… how to be done with them.”
] Koza looks at Deynn with a puzzled expression but remains silent.
Roonoo] “I understand, and I’m… I’m willing to have such discussions. I am just filled with anger at the moment for the killing of the horses. I sold that black mare to Gundren just days ago – she was a beautiful creature, unlike these kak-eating scavengers.”
Deynn] “I understand and I share your anger. Let’s keep this one alive – he just may help us get Sildar and Gundren back alive. It nothing else, we will walk him in front of us as a short shield.”
] The tied up Goblin appears to be oblivious to your words, but he looks back and forth between you and Roonoo. He obviously fears he will soon meet the same fate as his tribe-member just did. Using the ox, you clear away the corpses of the two horses and ask Belteb if he wants to continue toward Phandalin alone while they go after Gundren and Sildar or should they find a place to hide both he and the cart until they return. Belteb wants to risk the road rather than hang around. He will meet you in town. Khi-Khi seems conflicted… she is anxious to rescue Sildar from the goblins, but also to find her father. She decides to go with Belteb rather than join the assault on a goblin hideout. Koza is willing to join you in the search for your friends.
] As the cart pulls away with Belteb and Khi-Khi, the remaining captured Goblin silently directs you to a hidden trail just off the Triboar which leads North.
Deynn] We follow the trail and force the Goblin to lead the way at the end of a rope.
] You walk the ascending dirt trail for nearly 3 miles. Along the way, the Goblin quietly walks around a hidden snare trap, making it obvious and easy to trigger without incident.
Roonoo] “Keep an eye on the beastie… he seems none-to-concerned with whether we walk into one of his traps.”
Deynn] “Right. At least we can assume that the presence of traps means we are on the right trail.”
Roonoo] “I am not assuming that much…” I laugh “But I am assuming there will be more traps ahead for us.”
] Less than a mile further you watch as the Goblin walks around a pit in the ground and looks down into it for a second and then just keeps walking. You see that the pit was a trap that has triggered, its false ground falling inward. Looking down into the pit, you see a young man, possibly Half Elf, obviously dead, with spikes protruding through its body. The blood glistens on the spikes.
Deynn] “Hold up!” I yank on the Goblins rope leash. “This poor fellow only just met this fate – look at the blood, it is still fresh.”
Roonoo] “Hey Kakstain! What do you know about this?”
] The Goblin makes eye contact with you but remains staid and silent.
Deynn] “It feels dishonorable to just leave his body impaled like that. If we had time, I’d say we should give him a proper burial.”
Roonoo] “We expect to be heading back this way once we liberate Gundren and Sildar… we can show due-honor to the stranger then.”
Deynn] “I agree with your reasoning Roonoo, it is sound, but my heart cannot walk away from this sight.”
] Koza “What honor is owed a complete stranger? For all we know, it was honor that threw him down there… Do you bury every corpse you come upon in this violent world?”
Deynn] “I know it seems strange. It is the way of The Abbey to show honor when and where there is any opportunity. Please allow us to at least pull him from the spike pit and cover his body with some branches in the forest. It will take only minutes and I will not have to carry the odium of grim actions for months. If there is time ample afterwards, we will provide a proper burial.”
Roonoo] I pull my rope from off my pack. “Your reasoning is also sound friend, whatever his honor, we should not damage ours. Koza, can you gather a few thick branches while we extract our unknown chum here?”
] The two of you pull the body from the spike pit. It is indeed a Half Elf, apparently quite young, perhaps only still in his second decade of life. His body has deep slashes apparent – the fall into the pit spikes may not have been the only cause of death. He has a cheap rapier strapped to his waist and extremely worn leather armor around his chest. In his left hand is a fine looking flute, made of an exotic wood with intricate carvings inlaid with silver.
] Koza “That instrument looks to be expensive, perhaps we could use it to earn some gold for our troubles.”
Deynn] I hand the flute to her “You are correct – it is a fine instrument. How much do you think we could get for it?”
] Koza looks it over and says “Hmmm… it appears to be real silver for the inlay. Maybe as much as 50 or 60 gp?”
Deynn] “I will give you a hundred for it.” I fish out 10 plat from my pouch and make the trade. “Roonoo – do you want a cut?”
Roonoo] I look at Deynn as if trying to understand him… “No friend, I do not need of any.”
] Koza “You are a strange one Deynn. As you seem quite serious… and I – quite skint… I will accept your coin.” She hands the flute back to you and pockets your platinum. “I suppose I should not call you strange though… I probably owe my life to your oddity… who else would stand in to defend a drow from being beaten to death.”
Deynn] “There are surely others.” I remember suspecting her of actually killing the Half Orc at camp which started that beating. I remember wondering if she somehow calculated my willing involvement. I consider calling her on it but change my mind and decide to be subtle. “You gave me opportunity to show you honor Koza. I am just glad I did not have to bury you as well.” I drag the body into the undergrowth near the pit and cover it with the branches Koza gathered. I kneel and offer a silent prayer to Nobanion for the boy and for those who will miss him. “There, that did not take long.”
Roonoo] “Takes me longer to void the old bowels… and I dare say – both feel worth the while.”
] You continue forward another mile. The trail begins to switchback steeply up an incline with heavy undergrowth making it difficult to see very far ahead.
[()]
] The Goblin ahead of you reaches a sharp turn and you lose sight of him for just a second. You hear a brief yelp from the Goblin and you see it fall back into your view and into the undergrowth. There is an arrow sticking out of its chest.
Deynn] “Ambush! Find cover!”
] The heavy thickets hide the source of the attack from you. You can see the Goblin remains alive but is losing blood as it scrambles back towards you.
] Koza has her bow drawn and ready. “That arrow”, she whispers, “is not the same as the ones the Goblins attacked us with. It could be the source is no enemy of ours.”
Deynn] “Good observation Koza. You are probably right.” I say quietly. Then I raise my voice. “We are no friend to Goblins! What be you?”
] A voice calls down “We are no friends to Goblins either!” He sounds young with a slight tremble to his words.
Roonoo] “Then we have no reason to harm you unless you intend injury upon us.” I yell.
] Another voice, a female, calls out “We seek only to find our friends.”
Deynn] “We seek the same, two friends were captured by Goblins and taken this way up into hills. Shall we put away our weapons?”
] You overhear brief whispers and then the male voice says “Agreed. We shall trust.”
Roonoo] “We shall trust as well.”
] Moments later, two young Half Elves walk around the switch turn. “I am Darsley and this is my husband Colt. We were attacked by a large group of Goblins and had to scatter. We were seperated. We are looking for two friends, my sister and another.”
Deynn] I pull out the flute from the Half Elf. “Does this belong to your friend?”
] Colt “Yes! That is Wahlers flute! Where did you find it?”
Roonoo] “We are sorry to tell… we found the body of a Half Elf lad a short ways back. We provided what service we could for him – expedient but reverent.”
] Darsla “What of Deyni? My sister?”
] Koza “No sign of another. The trail has been heaviliy traveled, I would not have been able to make out one set of feet from another. I expect Goblins would have disposed of both bodies together if both were there… it is worth holding to hope Darsley.”
Deynn] I look at Koza, at first with a little shock that she would be less-than-delicate, and then that she would be encouraging hope in the next breath. “I agree with Koza, there remains reason for hope. Our two friends were captured and carried into these hills… an elder Human and a crimson Dwarf. You poked a fine hole into our guide here. We were not certain whether we could trust him to lead us to our friends but he is all we have at the moment.”
] Colt “We have seen no others, I am sorry. As for sticking a Goblin, I am tempted to finish the job now, but I see you have it restrained. I did not notice that when I loosed my arrow upon it.”
Deynn] “We shall try to recover.” I attempt to remove the arrow from the Goblin body and apply a bandage. [Medicine Check]
Result Table
| 1-10 |
You extract the arrow, loosing a quick fountain of blood. The Goblin groans as life leaves it forever . |
| 11-16 |
You extract the arrow and successfully apply bandages to stop the bleeding. The pain of the extraction causes the Goblin to fall unconscious. |
| 17+ |
You successfully extract the arrow and apply bandages. The Goblin motions to ask for some water but remains silent |
Deynn]
() 1d20 Medicine 12 +3 = 15
] You extract the arrow and successfully apply bandages to stop the bleeding. The pain of the extraction causes the Goblin to fall unconscious.
Deynn] “Looks like we have lost our guide for the time being.”
Roonoo] “Don’t tell me we are going to carry it with us like a baby. Are we sure it is not faking?”
Deynn] “No, and no. But I think we must leave him restrained so he does not awake and alert his tribe. Colt, Darsley … how much further up the trial have you been?”
] Darsley “Not much. These switchbacks continue for ways and then the trail opens a bit and appears to circle round into a rocky valley. From there, we do not know. We turned back thinking Wahler and Deyni would not have gone any further without us, they must returned to the Triboar, we thought… Now I just don’t…” she becomes silent – worry and sadness have stifled her.
Roonoo] I look to Colt “None of our business I know… but can I ask what the four of you were doing out here in the first place?”
] Colt “The Lionshield Coster has hired us to locate and return a shipment of supplies. A tenday ago their wagons were ambushed on the Triboar below. The driver and guard were slain. 500 gold was offered for the recovery. Seemed simple enough… but it proven to cost us much.”
Deynn] “We were also ambushed while guarding a supply wagon. This Goblin was one of our attackers so it would appear you were on the right track. I propose the two of you continue back down to the main trail in search for your sister. She may have gotten lost off-trail. We will continue forward in search of our friends. If we encounter Deyni, we will help restore her to you. Hopefully we can all be safely in Phandalin before nightfall. We will catch up to you there.”
] Darsley “See you back on the Triboar, or at the Inn if it starts to get dark on us. I hope one of us finds Deyni alive – we have been through so much… too much to die at the grubby hands of Goblins.”
Deynn] “Here, Wahlers flute. You should keep it.”
] Darsley “No, you hold on to it. If you find Deyni, you can show it to her like you did with us.”
] You travel another mile or so Northward along the trail as it traverses a shallow valley. Tracks show the trail turn uphill again and the forest around you starts becoming less dense. The sun is high in the sky and elevation gain has caused both of you to break a sweat. Koza has been sheltering her eyes – the bright sun challenging her. Up ahead you see the hillside rise into rock faces. You begin to hear the sound of running water.
Deynn] I stop walking and whisper “Roonoo, do you hear that? A stream up ahead – and I am getting thirsty.”
Roonoo] “Let’s approach with caution – it’s been a while since we have seen any traps and one is long overdue.” I begin cautious approach forward. [Stealth Check *3]
Result Table
| 1-5 |
A short barrage of arrows flies out of the thicket to your right. |
| 6-14 |
I thorny vine catches your ankle and you stagger forward, making enough noise to be heard by any close by |
| 15+ |
You successfully reach the stream without making a noise |
Roonoo]
() 1d20 Stealth 17 +4 = 21 [Success]
Deynn]
() 1d20 Stealth 11 +6 = 17 [Success]
] Koza, you suddenly notice, has been exactingly silent with her every step the entire hike. Even blinded by the sun, you realize she never took a mistep or caused any noise at all with her footfalls. You can see a heavy brook streaming out from a large rock face. The location where it exits is still hidden from your view by a large grouping of dense trees. The trail turns right and follows the edge of the stream towards the jutting rock formation – you see no sign of a trail on the other side of the stream.
Roonoo] I point and whisper “I think we are here… This must be the Cragmaws cave hideout – the trail leads right up stream.” I slowly begin following the stream.
] Just as you begin alongside the thicket which was obscuring the cave mouth from view, you both hear what sounds like squabbling coming from behind the leaves and branches.
Deynn] I tap Roonoo and point into the thickets, then motion to Koza that we follow around.
] As you reach the opening of the cave, you can see a rickety wooden platform has been raised inside the thicket. The squabbling continues – obviously from atop that platform.
Roonoo] I point at the legs of the platform and silently propose we yank both legs from one side of it, causing the stink-things to fall right towards us for a beating.
Deynn] I nod in understanding and agreement.
] Koza steps alongside the rock wall just outside of the cave entrance and nocks an arrow in readiness for the fall of whatever is hiding up on the ricketdy platform. The legs pull from the ground easily and just as planned, two very surprised Goblins slide right towards you. An arrow from Koza’s bow pierces one even as it falls into your view.
Roonoo] I attack the pierced one with my Blackthorn staff
() 2d20a Attack 8 +7 = 15 [Hit]
Deynn] I deliver a thrusting heel kick to the other Goblin.
() 2d20a Attack 20 Crit [Hit]
] Both Goblins are barely aware of what is happening before they are crushed by your surprise attacks. They each have a pouch with some small coins, a dagger and a shortbow with some arrows – black-feathered – same as you previously saw on the trail. They had apparently eating lunch – you find a grimy sack full of near-rancid meat and entrails and what looks like some sort of bread with a thick growth of green fungus. The sound of the platform falling was loud enough to attract some attention from within the Cragmaw hideout cave – you begin to hear the sound of vicious barks raising alarm.
Deynn] “Quick – against the wall. We may be able to surprise any running out of the cave.”
Appreciation & Collaboration
] You are currently traveling west on the Evermoor Way, skirting the northern edge of High Forest and the southern edge of the Evermoors. You are accompanying Addalisi Garvett, high priestess of Selune, on a mission to Conyberry to discover the whereabouts of a powerful artifact – the spellbook of Bowgentle – before the dark forces of the Red Wizards can. Addalisi is traveling on horseback and the two of you are riding your magical companions, Nalya and Aylan. The days Last Shadow is fast approaching. Several miles ago you passed a turn-off to the south with a sign marked Noanar’s Hold. Addalisi suggested pushing on to a waystop village named Calling Horns rather than seeking shelter in the hold.
] Addalisi “The White Hart Inn, I have heard, is a beautiful place and I would love to visit someday… but there have been too many rumors of troubles in that place and we must hurry our way. The Calling Horns is merely a stopover village with the most basic accomodations, but it is right on the Evermoor Way. We should reach it very shortly after nightfall.”
Leely] “Maybe someday when you visit White Hart, we can join you!”
] Addalisi “I would like that.”
Ileel] I look to my left… “High Forest has pulled away from the road quite a distance… otherwise we could have just found a safe tree for tonights shelter.”
] Addalisi “I think I would prefer a hot meal and then a warm bed with a nightcap – if it be all the same.”
Leely] “What is a nightcap?” I ask
] Addalisi “I mean only a strong drink. It helps me sleep.”
Leely] “Oh… I see. It is like putting on a sleeping cap… only in your head instead of on it… right?”
] Addalisi smiles at you Leely… “I suppose that is as accurate an idea as any could provide. Yes… it is like a sleeping cap inside my head.”
Leely] “A warm meal sounds wonderful right now. Maybe some chunk bread with warmed butteroil and toasted clayfruit… yum-yummy. ” I cast Light Shroud to brighten the surrounding area as we travel.
] Your silk robes begin to glow with radiant light, brightening your immediate aura intensely and an area with dim 40 feet around you.
Ileel] “Ouch! That is brightful! Thanks for the warning Leely…” I push Nayla forward a little to escape the blinding presence of my sister.
Leely] “Oops! Sorry! I forget still what an assault that can be on others eyes. I have learned how to stretch the light further out than I used to…”
] Addalisi seems impressed by your white silk robes. “That is quite a garment Leely. I noticed earlier how it shaped itself tight around you but I didn’t suspect magic. Can your black robes do the same Ileel?”
Ileel] “Yes. But not exactly…” I cast Shadow Shroud.
] A dark aura hides you. If it were not for Leely’s light, you would be functionally invisible.
] Addalisi says “Wow – that is quite a trick. Where did you find these garments?
Leely] “We made them! Our circlets showed us how. Sort of… I mean, well… it is hard to describe really. But this is just normal silk from the forest. Lady Aeri told us to search out some Firesilk from silkworms that live deep within mountains that still flow with fire. If we can find enough Firesilk, who knows what we can make – Lady Aeri says it is magical to begin with… combined with our circlets it could be most powerful.”
] Addalisi says “So Aylan and Nalya… are they somehow connected to your circlets as well?”
Ileel] “We believe so, yes. We were born on the Day of Meilikki’s Wild Ride. The story we have been told is that she witnessed our births… and that she touched our foreheads as they emerged from our mothers… from her… er… belly. Anyhow these crowns appeared. Mine black and Leely’s white. Meilikki told our mother to wean us and then dedicate us to protect her temple in The High Forest, and until now, we have lived only there at the Wild Queens Forest Temple.”
Leely] “We are going to be protectors!” I say with all the giddy glee I can muster.
] “I might say you have already proven to be so…” Addalisi says. “I am glad your Lady Aeri reached out to me. I was going to hire some sellswords to protect this mission, but I have a feeling Meilikki herself had other ideas.”
Ileel] “I have a feeling you can take care of your self quite well Addalisi. You appear to be our age, yet no one, I suspect, becomes a high priestess in their twenties. You carry yourself like one of our revered elders – not our peers – so I assume there is more to your story. Not that I am being nosy… just observing really.”
] Addalisi “You are perceptive Ileel. I was born nearly 70 years ago… in Hillsfar, on the on the southern coast of the Moonsea. Half of my life I spent in… well let me just say I spent it somewhere else. Here in the Realms, I am truly about 30 years old give or take some.”
Leely] “As High Priestess you must know Selune personally right? I mean… is that how it works? What is she like? I mean… is she nice to talk to? like you? ”
] Addalisi “I do have some stories I can tell, but perhaps at another time. Look – I think those lights are coming from our waystop.”
] Still a few miles ahead, you see a small grouping of buildings backlit with torches. As you get closer, just within a mile of the small settlement, you begin to hear screams accompanied by the sounds of a desperate battle.
Leely] “Trouble!” I speed up Aylan
Ileel] “Wait! Leely! Keep your head!” I chase after her on Nalya.
] Addalisi speeds up her mount and follows. Ahead on the road you see a small group of people running away from The Calling Horns. In the town light you can make about about 5 people scrambling your way. You see then a very large creature exit the town behind them. With surprising speed it catches up to the fleeing villagers and cuts them down. Then it begins to run east on the roadway towards you. Within seconds you can see a large troll, over 9 foot tall, enter into the light being spread by Leely’s garment.
| Init |
Character |
AC |
ATK |
HP |
| 19 |
Addalisi |
20 |
|
110 |
| 12 |
Ileel |
18 |
|
24 |
| 10 |
Troll |
15 |
+6 2d6+3 |
84 67 60 70 64 47 57
43 31 16 26 06 00 |
| 8 |
Leely |
18 |
|
24 13 |
] You hear Addalisi evoking a spell and in-between you and the troll, you see a large spectral-silver chain appear, floating in the air. It lashes out at the charging troll. [()] The massive chain whips at the charging troll and the force impact halts it. The chain then wraps around the troll, restraining it.
Ileel] As soon as I am within range, I release an attack against the troll
() 2d20a Attack 11 +7 = 18 [Hit] Dmg 2 +5 = 7
] Your arrow flies true and plants itself into the chained-up troll.
Ileel] I look around for a blind within range
] There are no trees within your combat range. There is, along the left side of the roadway, a grouping of boulders jutting from the ground – the largest rock reaches about 7 feet high and is 25 feet away from the troll currently.
Ileel] I use the rest of my movement to position myself, with Nalya’s help, on the boulder blind.
] You successfully position yourself. The 9 foot troll struggles against the massive spectral chain restraining its movement [()] but does not manage to break free.
Leely] I draw my Serpier blade and attempt to run the thing through
() 2d20a Attack 6 +7 = 13 [Miss]
() 2d20a Attack (Kick) 13 +6 = 19 [Hit] Dmg 2 +4 = 6
] Addalisi holds the spiritial weapon in place and casts Bless on the both of you.
Ileel] I loose another arrow, this time with some necrotic taint added
() 2d20a Attack 12 +7 = 19 [hit] Dmg 5 +5 = 10 +7 (necrotic 1/3) = 17
] The troll, arms and legs wrapped in a ghostly chain, tries to bite at Leely who is now within range [()] and is successful (11 hp dmg). It remains restrained.
Leely] “Kak! That hurt! You dretchbag!” I attempt another stabby-stabb with a kick and then circle around and out of the range of it teeth
() 2d20a Attack 15 +7 = 22 [Hit] Dmg 4 +5 = 9
() 2d20a Attack (kick) 18 +6 = 24 [Hit] Dmg 1 + 4 = 5
] Your flexible blades snakes its way into the flesh of the troll and as you withdraw it, you spin back and land a heel kick near the entry wound. You successfully escape the range of its bite.
] From her right hand, Addalisi conjures a short sword made of moon light and attacks the troll. [()] The blade slashes through the rubbery troll flesh, spilling green guts and angering the giant. “Fire! We will need fire to defeat it!” She yells at both of you as she pulls back out of range of the monster.
Ileel] I fire another arrow
() 2d20a Attack 17 + 7 = 24 [hit] Dmg 5 +5 = 10 +5 (necrotic 2/3) = 15
] The raging troll does not seem to notice the additional arrow plunge into its body. It thrashes about trying to break free [()] but cannot get its arms or legs out from the magical chain.
Leely] “I will get fire!” I yell as I pull a torch from my pack and attempt to light it.
] You manage to successfully light the torch. You can see the open flesh of the troll heal together as it struggles in the binding chain [()]
] Addalisi strikes again with her silver blade of light, hoping to keep the wound open or create a new one [()] and she does critical damage to the troll. She ducks and swings around the troll to step near Leely. “Set its guts on fire Leely! It will never die otherwise!”
Ileel] I aim another arrow, seeking an open would to target.
() 2d20a Attack 11 +7 = 18 [Hit] Dmg 7 +5 = 12
] Your attack found a vulnerable spot was successful enough to drop it to the ground.
] Addalii says to Leely “Quick, while it is down! Burn it! Burn it now!”
Leely] I charge in with the lit torch and attempt to burn the troll at it gaping rubbery wounds
[()]
] You successfully set the guts of the troll aflame. You watch as it begins to burn from the inside out. As you are all about to breathe a sigh of relief, you suddenly recognize that there have been continued screams coming from the small village.
] Addalisi “There must be other trolls still in town!”
Leely] “Others! I barely survived one troll.”
] Addalisi “Right! We were lucky as it was. I can only use that chain against one… an unrestrained troll just might enjoy us for dinner.”
Ileel] “Let me scout ahead first! With some idea of what we are up against, we may be able to help them still.” I call Nalya and leap from my rocky perch to her back. Then we race towards town stealthily. [Stealth Check]
| 1-5 |
Another troll was chasing behind the other one. You run smack face right into it as it is running towards your party. |
| 6-14 |
You ride up onto the main entrance of Calling Horns. You see two other trolls searching for more villagers to kill. One of the trolls begins to sniff in your direction. Seconds later it bolts towards you like a rampaging gorilla, swinging off its knuckles. |
| 15-20 |
You ride up around the northern side of Calling Horns, away from the main entrance. You see one troll searching for more villagers to kill. It seems to be searching with its nose, shiffing into buildings and alley ways. There are bodies all around the village center. You hear just a few more screams from the other side of town, and from the sounds, you assume other villagers were found by another troll. |
Ileel]
() 1d20 Stealth Check 12 +8 = 20
] You ride up around the northern side of Calling Horns, away from the main entrance. Peering over the rudimentary stone wall that surrounds the small village, you see one troll searching for more villagers to kill. It seems to be searching with its nose, shiffing into buildings and alley ways. There are bodies all around the village center. You hear just a few more screams from the other side of town, and from the sounds, you assume other villagers were found by another troll.
Ileel] I race back to Leely and Addalisi and report what I saw. “If there are any villagers left to save there is very little time for them. Not sure we would have a chance against two at the same time.”
Leely] “Maybe I could draw one of the trolls away while you two take down the other?”
] Addalisi “Risky… and pointless if there is no one left alive in the village. Perhaps they will just move on soon. Lets get closer and watch their movements.”
Ileel] “We must stay downwind… they seemed to be searching with their smellers. And douse your light Leely. ”
Leely] I douse Light Mantle and follow the others closer to the village.
Ileel] “This way, around to the north end.”
] This time you see two trolls. They seem to be circling around the well in the center of the small village – hunting someone or something by smell – almost frenzied in their search. The place is littered with corpses and pieces of corpses. You judge at least 40 people have died here, maybe more. Among the corpses, you see one very large corpse. It appears to be smoking as if embers burned inside of it.
] Addalisi whispers “Look, another troll lies dead. The villagers put up a fight it seems, but we are too late to save any.”
Leely] “Now what?” I whisper
Ileel] “They are still searching for something. Could someone be hiding in the well? Look how they circle it.”
Leely] “If there is, we should do something!”
] Addalisi “An attack would be unwise. We would only join the dead.”
] As Addalisi is still whispering, you feel a short surge of wind on your faces. It reeks of blood and shit and something else you cannot describe, something pungent and foul… your eyes begin to sting.
] Addalisi “Ahg! Do you smell that? What it is?”
Leely] “Its awful whatever it is.”
]] Ileel] The foreign stench mingled with blood triggers a memory. I was out gathering springberries with Eldera Alnineen. She was teaching me how to forage in the forest… what to look for and what to avoid. I was still very young and had rarely stepped outside the boundary of the forest temple. I heard a sound like thick cloth ripping, as I recall, and I darted towards it to explore. Before Eldera Alnineen could call me back I found myself slipping into a small pool of red mud. In the branches a above, a Hunting Griffon was tearing at some large prey it had just killed. Blood dripped down into my face as I looked up into the tree, trying to understand what I was seeing. The Hunting Griffon surely noticed me but was content with the meal in its claws. Eldear Alnineen was only seconds behind me. I remember hearing her sword pull from its shealth as she came into the scene. She pulled me up and backed us slowly and silently away from the forest predator. Once a safe distance back, she asked if I was ok. I wiped blood from my face … “What is this red juice?” I asked. Eldera Alnineen spent the afternoon teaching me about death. It seemed unreal to me, as I recall. To be a living being and then to just not be… to be dead… it just seemed unreal.
] As you watch two Trolls continue to search for… you assume more victims, there is movement that catches your eye to the left of the Calling Horns Lodge. Another Troll lumbers into the village followed by four people. No, five, another crawls behind them. Their movements are slow and uncoordinated, unnatural. As they pass through the light of a fire, you can tell some are missing arms.
Ileel] “Necromancy…” I whisper amazed
] Adalissi “It is the Troll we just put down, but you are right… it is not simply regenerated… it is dead and not dead. Moon Mistress shelter us.”
Leely] “What do we do?…” I reach to unsheath my blade and lean forward. “We must destroy them right?”
] Adalissi “Let us be patient Leely. Let us be hidden and watch. One Troll alone is a fair match – we would certainly not survive a charge into that fight.”
] The incoming Troll jerks into an attacking run towards the other two Trolls, as if someone had yanked on its leash. The humanoids follow. Within seconds the other two Trolls are under attack. As you watch, there is more movement near the lodge. Several of the villager corpses lift themselves and stumble with speed towards the combat. Ten seconds later another small group of corpses exit the lodge and join the others. Soon the two living Trolls are deluged with clawing corpses.
Ileel] “That can only mean a Necromancer is here… Right?”
] Adalissi “It can only mean that. We are not safe even hidden here. We must away ourselves.” She begins to move back away.
Leely] “Even I know there is a line between brave and stupid.” and I slowly pull back away from my perch.
Ileel] “Single file. Keep me between yourselves and the village so my Dark Mantle hides you.”
] Before you get too many steps away, you hear a loud voice from the village. “Rise me grubs… rise fer Moogwa, dhy soon queen. Lift dey dead corpseys in wershap fer Moogwa de Bog Witch.” The accent is foreign, nearly obscure. Taking a quick glance back, you see five more figures walking into the center of the village. Four large creatures of bone – the size of trolls, but with hardly any flesh. Between them is a Bullywug wearing a sheer cloth around her waist. She carries a tall scepter with a spiked circle affixed atop. You hear her frogish cackle as she motions more corpses to rise from the ground.
Leely] “The Necromancer!” I exclaim a little to loudly
Ileel] I quickly shush my sister. “Hurry! But carefully!”
[()]
] There is no indication that anyone in the village heard you. You successfully sneak away from Calling Horns, back to where Adalissi secured her horse in the outskirts. “Remain in whispers. Voices may carry with the breeze and we dare not be discovered now.”
Leely] “Well, so much for wearing nightcaps inside our heads tonight.”
Ileel] “We are retreating from a Bullywug with a small army of undead… and you are worried about missing out on drinks?”
Leely] “Not really sister… not really. My head swims with shock and fear actually.”
] Adalissi whispers “As does mine friend. We are still far from safety.”
Ileel] “What do we do? If this Moogwa and her undead remain in Calling Horns, we dare not travel any further East. Perhaps we retrace our steps back? Perhaps this White Hart Inn?”
Leely] “Shouldn’t we warn them about what we saw?”
] Adalissi “We should continue to watch for a time and see what we might see. You are correct, if they stay in the village, we will have to retreat, or find a long way round. If they move on – I would like to observe their direction at least, so let us find a high spot to watch from.”
Ileel] I look around in the dark for some high ground.
] Just to the North, deeper towards the Evermoors, you see a shadow of large boulders that might provide some vantage.
Ileel] “There. Those rocks. It may not be much but those rocks may be the highest ground around.” I lead the way there.
] As you crawl up to the tops of the rocks, you can see but the still burning fires, just hints of movement inside the village. Adalissi casts Owl’s Wisdom on the both of you to enhance your ability to perceive what is happening. Suddenly you can sense movement within the dark landscape directly to the North of Calling Horns.
Leely] “They are walking straight into the Evermoors, there. Their movement is Northward. Adalissi, would you know if there are any other towns or villages North of Calling Horns”
] Adalissi “I do not. In our maps, there is nothing known North of here until you pass the Evermoors… Nesme is on the Northern edge of the Evermoors, along the River Subrin. It is far off I believe… and Orcs have control there last I heard.”
Ileel] “Wild Queen help us all if this Moogwa adds an army of Orcs to her rot-gang.”
] Adalissi “When we reach Yartar, I will get a message out warning others of what we have seen here tonight.”
] The entire number of undead villagers disappears further into the moors beyond your enhanced perception. The light from the fires within Calling Horns is also dying down.
Leely] “I say we wait a little while longer then go in to explore the town, see what we can learn.”
Ileel] “I will scout ahead once again – just to ensure no danger remains.” I ride off on Nalya to circle the town.
] With the exception of a few dancing flames, Calling Horns is still and silent. You do not see any corpses whatsoever – all have walked or crawled away under the mighty necromancy of Moogwa the Bog Witch. Adalissi and Leely soon join you just outside the lodge of Calling Horns
] Adalissi says “Someone will come along sooner or later and loot any valuables left behind here. It might as well be us. There may not be much to find, but let us look around.”
Leely] “I’m going to look around inside the lodge. See if I can find anything… maybe a clue to what happened here.” I enter cautiously, sword drawn.
Ileel] I investigate what I can in this village
] Investigation Roll Table
| 1-10 |
You find only makeshift weapons scattered on the ground where the villagers fought for and lost their lives just a short while ago. |
| 11-15 |
You find some common jewelery and a few small coin pouches, totalling 48gp. |
| 16-20 |
On the back side of the provisioner shop you locate a supply wagon – still covered with a canvas tarp. Under the tarp you discover full crates and barrels of supplies. There is food and drink still unloaded along with various other provisions… wool blankets, several lengths of rope, torches, etc. There are no weapons or ammunition. |
| 20+ |
It occurs to you that none of the weapons you found scattered on the ground are “professional grade” like a guard would certainly wield, leading you to wonder where all the guards were – or if there even were any guards present |
Ileel]
2d20a Investigation 20 +5 = 25
] None of the weapons on the ground are worth anything – mostly improvised from tools. You do not see any shields or weapons which might have belonged to guards… Perhaps Calling Horns did not have a hired guard? Inside some of the structures you find seven common looking rings and jewelery and a few coin pouches with close to 50 gp in various coins. Behind the provisioner shop, you find a covered wagon full of common supplies – still unloaded.
Ileel] “Do you notice? There are many weapons left behind but none of any significance… It is as if Calling Horns did not have any guard in place.”
] Adalissi “Coud it be that these weapons remain with the bodies of the undead?”
Ileel] “Possible… My suspicion may mean nothing whatsoever.”
] Leely enters the Inn at Calling Horns, which is the largest building in the village. The main room of the bottom floor is like a rustic lodge with multiple fire pits and cushioned seating all around. There is a bar on the North side of the room. The place is empty and mostly in order – it appears little violence entered here.
Leely] I look for papers or books or any such thing to discover what I can.
] You discover from records that someone named Lady Tamalin is the owner of the Inn at Calling Horns. You also find a small rolled note informing Lady Tamalin that the accommodations in Yartar for her and her guard of 11 men has been secured. Behind the bar you find an unlocked coin box with 80 gold. There is also a cudgel next to the coin box. It appears to be wood with intricate carvings. (Chinpits Cudgel)
Leely] I pick up the cudgel and take a closer look.
] The surface is designed as if it were wood, but you can feel it is actually metal. There are no blemishes or marring on the weapon, as if it were brand new or never actually used as a weapon, but you sense the object has a deep history beyond discovery. The short club is heavy in your hand and feels well-balanced. There is a leather strap at the handle.
Leely] “Curious thing… I like the feel of it.” I say to the empty room. Then I go outside and tell the others what I found.
] As you rejoin the others you overhear talk between Ileel and Adalissi about the town guard.
Leely] “Oh there is a guard. They are in Yartar with Lady Tamalin – the proprietor of the lodge – probably runs the whole town I might guess. If this note I found means anything, she left the village unprotected for some reason. I also found a coin box – not a very heavy one… but look! Isn’t this just interesting! Where do you think these designs come from?”
] Adalissi takes a glance at your new cudgel. “Dwarven, most likely. My first guess is Shield Dwarves, maybe from Mirabar or Mithral Hall. It is fine craftsmanship. It might even be enchanted. Keep a hold of that and we will try to get it identified further.”
Leely] “There are plenty of clean empty beds in the lodge… dare we sleep in the site of such a massacre while the blood still seeps?”
Ileel] “What other choice do we have. I will take first watch.”
Appreciation & Collaboration
