Wardens of Heroes Gate

Into the Cragmaw Hideout

RECAP

] The two of you were escorting a wagon of supplies from Neverwinter to Phandalin. Along the way you met a Half Elf Drow named Koza and agreed to travel the distance together. Sildar and Gundren travelled ahead of you to the mining town in need of some haste – the result of some political matter they did not yet share. On the 3rd day of your travel you turned Eastward on the Triboar Trail and several hours later you discovered the scene of a previous ambush – two dead horses, where you were yourselves ambushed by several Goblins of the Cragmaw tribe. In questioning one of the Goblins, you discovered that Sildar and Gundren were taken captive and were being held in the Cragmaw Hideout – deep in a hilly region of Neverwinter Wood. Along the way you met a small group of adventurers who were seeking to recover a lost shipment of goods for the Lionshield Coster of Phandalin but instead lost half of their party. Wahler Rishian was found dead in a Goblin spike pit and Deyni Serpayko remains missing. You agreed to keep a watch for Deyni as you continued to the Cragmaw hideout. Outside the hideout cave, you successfully took out the guards (who were distracted by lunch). From within the cave, you began to hear the barking of alarmed dogs.

] You press against the rock face next to the cave entrance, planning to ambush any Goblins which exit in response to the alarm. The barking continues, it sounds like several large dogs, maybe even wolves. [()] After several minutes of barking, nothing exits the cave. The barking continues.

Roonoo] I take a peek inside the cave.

] You see the trail continue into the cave alongside the right bank of the running stream. It looks and sounds like the barking is coming from a large open chamber on the right about 100 feet into the cavern. Several hundred feet further, you see the stream bend around to the right, further into the hillside.

Roonoo] I whisper… “I think the barking is coming from a room just inside the cave. Since they are not charging us, I assume they are caged. The cave goes back much further beyond this room however… maybe we will get lucky and find Gundren keeping the puppies company. Let’s go”

] A few uneven steps lead up into the chamber. The stench of animal shit assaults your noses as you reach the opening. Inside, you see 3 wolves chained to spikes which are driven into the base of a stalagmite. The barking and snarling intensifies as the wolves see you.

Deynn] “I have an idea. Be right back.” I go back and grab the sack full of meat which was on the platform with the Goblins. I show Roonoo and Koza when I return… “Wolves are always hungry right?” I go back into the chamber with the wolves and try make friends with the Goblins lunch. [Animal Handling check]

Deynn]

() 2d20a Animal Handling 12 +4 = 16 [Success]

] The wolves calm down after eating the food you gave them. They look at you with suspicion still and occasionally bare their teeth your way, but they are no longer fighting to break free of their chains to attack you. In the far end of the chamber you notice a steep fissure that leads to a natural chimney opening. At the base you see a large pile of rubbish that looks to have been thrown down through the fissure.

Roonoo] “Well… plaguedust! No Gundren here. I knew it wouldn’t be that easy.”

] Koza “I scouted further ahead…” As she enters the kennel chamber you realize that you had not even noticed she left. “There is another guard – a single Goblin – keeping a lazy watch from a makeshift bridge right around the corner. There are at least several others beyond that from the echoes I hear.” Deynn, your passive insight again tells you that Koza is ar more skilled than she has let on.

Deynn] “You are really in your own element now, aren’t you Koza.” I say with a smile. “I was just considering whether it is worth trying climb through that fissure up there, but with your skills, perhaps the direct approach is best. What say you Roonoo? Climb through a garbage shute or take the straight-on?”

Roonoo] “You would never get me into that smelly hole Deynn, and you know it!”

Deynn] “Straight-on it is. Care to lead the way Koza?”

] The three of you continue a little further into the cave alongside the stream.

] Koza “Hold back, let me take out the guard.” She nocks an arrow and positions herself. [()] Her arrow flies. She waits a half a moment then turns back to you with a sly smile. “Ready?”

Deynn] We follow Koza further into the cave.

] You approach the ricketdy bridge, made of odd bits of mishaped wood and held together by fraying ropes. You see a dangling Goblin leg off to the left – Koza’s arrow was quick. The bridge connects two dark tunnels about six feet above you. Just beyond the bridge the stream is running down a rocky incline and making a good deal of noise. You begin to hear what Koza’s ears picked up from a distance – Goblin speak. It sounds more like Goblin squabbling actually. It is coming from further upstream.

] Koza whispers back to you… “There are at least 3 Goblins beyond that slope, maybe more. One sounds larger than the others. They argue about alliances… I think… One says he is ferocious… the other says he is a coward… cruel… but cowardly”

Deynn]  “You understand Goblin?” This Drow girl is surely a mystery, I think to myself.

] Koza ignores the question. “We can charge up there blind, or we can try to draw them down to us.”

Roonoo] “I am ready either way.” I say as quietly as possible as I spin my blackthorn staff before me.

Deynn] “How might we draw them down with fully alerting them?”

] Koza “I have an idea… ready?” She makes a quick motion with the fingers on her right hand and four small lights appear behind you. They all submerge into the running stream and then, one by one, they travel upstream slowly, causing the water to take on an eerie glow in the dark cave. Three of them remain in the streams incline while one flows gently around the bend towards the sound of Goblin voices [Deception Check]

Result Table

] Koza

() 1d20 Deception 15 +7 = 22

] Two Goblins appear from around the bend at the top of the incline, staring curiously into the water of the stream. They walk down the crude steps alongside the stream, fascinated with the phenomena and never even see you.

] Koza looses an arrow [()] which spears the Goblin (02) furtherest from you.

Roonoo] I leap towards the other Goblin (01) and attack with my staff

() 2d20a Attack 20 Crit

] The first Goblin hears the arrow whiz by and thump into Goblin behind it. As it turns back to understand what it heard, your blackthorn staff comes crushing straight downward into its head. The crack of skull bone echoes through the cavern as the body tumbles down the remaining stairs to rest at the feet of Koza. She gives it a brief kick to test for life – there is none.

] Koza readies another arrow and points ahead. You see the magical lights raise to hover on the surface of the water and begin to vibrate. You see two more figures come to investigate, a Goblin and a Hobgoblin. Koza shoots another arrow – at the larger of the two (Hobgoblin01) [()] and it strikes just above the waist.

Deynn] I attack the Hobgoblin, rushing up the stairs to deliver a leaping uppercut

() 2d20a Attack 20 Crit

] You see Koza’s arrow sink into the Hobgoblins belly as you rush forward. The Hobgoblin starts to make an angry yelling noise but is silenced as your fist drives up under its chin, snapping its neck backward unnaturally.

Roonoo] I attack the other Goblin

() 2d20a Attack 7 +7 = 14 [Miss]

() 2d20a Attack (kick) 2 +5 = 7 [Miss]

] The smaller Goblin panics at the realization of what is happening and scrambles to get back up the steps. Your staff barely misses, striking rock instead, and your attempt at a follow-up kick finds only air as the Goblin skitters away. [()] Before Koza can nock another arrow, the Goblin disappears  from sight around the cave wall ahead.

Deynn] I chase after the Goblin

Roonoo] I give chase as well

] As you turn the corner, you see a large pool of water that has been dammed up by large collapsible walls. The Goblin has started yanking at the supports, trying to release the water.

Deynn] I race to grab him and pull him away from the trap. [Athletics]

() 1d20 Athletics check 17 +4 = 21 [Success]

] You successfully pull the Goblin away before it can release the water trap. You spin the Goblin around to face the incoming Roonoo

Roonoo] I attack and try not to hit Deynn in the process

() 2d20a Attack 11 +7 = 18 [Hit]

] You send the end of your staff into the chest of the Goblin like a spear, crushing its ribcage. The Goblin goes limp in Deynn’s hands.

] The large cavern contains two massive pools of water that appear to be fed from an underground source – you see a stream falling out of rock above the pool on the far Eastern side. The sound of the falling water is quite loud in the large chamber. A fieldstone wall serves as a dam to separate the pool into two sections. A wide exit from the cavern can be seen on the far South-East side of the cavern from which you can see the waving light of a large fire. To the West there is a small tunnel which obviously leads to the bridge crossing.

Roonoo] I whisper “Wow, there is a thing unexpected. That much water would nearly fill the passage below. Anyone else feel like seeing this water trap release? Preferably, of course, from above and not below.”

] Koza “I might guess that makeshift bridge would not survive… we might need it still.”

Roonoo] “Right you likely are… still… how fascinating it would be yes?…”

Deynn] “Gundren and Sildar may be just ahead where the fire is. We should try to get a look inside before we charge in… I have an idea. Hold back for a moment – and you might watch that tunnel.” I slip into the pool of water and swim to the East side and try to peer over the rock barrier into the area with the fire.

] You successfully reach a position where you can see into the fire-lit chamber. You can see two more Hobgoblins standing just inside the entrance. It appears to be another large chamber. On the far side of it you can see stacks of crates and barrels. The fire is just out of sight but you see a small Goblin dressed in rags walk towards it carrying a large chunk of wood to feed it. You hear a loud bellowing and witness the Goblin bounce backwards and fall to the ground. It scrambles on hands and knees back to the East side of the room and out of your sight.

Deynn] I swim back to the other side and climb out of the pool. “There are at least three large combatants within the chamber. Two stand guard just inside the door. The third, I might guess, is their chief… what was the name we got?”

Roonoo] “Glark… I think… or Glarg… something like that. How do you want to play this one? More trickery?”

Deynn] “We have had good luck so far with the trickery… The water is deep enough to hide in… if you don’t mind getting wet, maybe we can distract the two guards, get them to chase Koza’s lights down stream to where they will find the other bodies. With continued luck they will search further down towards the kennel, giving us time to take out their chief. What say you?”

Roonoo] “Tricky indeed. And I could probably use a bath anyway.”

] Koza smiles at you “Yes, yes you could.” She climbs into the pool and starts to swim quietly.

Deynn] I get back into the water as well and swim back to the far side.

Roonoo] I join them

] Koza again motions with a hand and four glowing lights appear. “Watch this… I’ve been praticing this one…” The lights come together and vary their intensity. They vaguely resemble a humanoid in shape. The lights begin to move and pulse, nearly simulating walking.  “Now, throw a rock or something near the entrance and get out of sight.” [Deception Check]

Result Table

] Koza

() 1d20 Deception 10 +7 = 17

] The two Hobgoblins hear the sound of the thrown rock and exit the chamber to investigate. Koza causes the Dancing Lights to begin to run away back down the steps into the cave passage below. Both Hobgoblins give chase and disappear around and down the turn in cave passage. You hear a large gravely voice yelling something in Goblin from the fire-lit chamber.

] Koza steps out of the water and says to you “I’ve got another idea. Fifty-fifty it goes our way…. Let us hope he is not actually ferocious. Wait ready just outside the chamber and watch for the other two. I will signal you for help if I need it.” Within a step or two, you notice that Koza’s entire demeaner changes. Suddenly she seems an entirely different woman – tall, commanding, with the feminine swagger of a queen. She sets her bow and quiver against the cave wall of the chamber entrance and boldly walks in. You hear her speaking loudly in Goblin. The gravely voice responds, quiet and submissive-like. There are a couple short exchanges – difficult to hear over the subterrainean waterfall behind you.

] Moments later, Koza reappears dragging a bare young Half Elf girl roughly by the hair until she exits the chamber. She smiles when she sees you… “Not fericious… coward… but we may still need to kill him. This, I think, would be the sister Deyni. I know where Sildar and Gundren are as well.” She picks up her bow and quiver. “The other two should be returning in just a second – do not turn your back on Klarg while we fight them.” She tells Deyni to hide in the pool until it is safe. “Here they come.” She turns and looses an arrow before you can even see her target. [()] Just as the first Hobgoblin steps around the turn of cavewall,  it walks right into Koza’s arrow. The other Hobgoblin runs right into the first as it jumps back – an arrow stuck square in its chest.

Deynn] “Roonoo – help Koza. I’ve got Klarg.” I position myself on the far side of the entrance to Klargs chamber. I Ready an action – if Klarg comes out, I will attempt to Grapple him.

Roonoo] I move down to the West side of the pool chamber and attack the Hobgoblin (01) Koza hit

(2d20a) Attack 18 +7 = 25 [Hit] (1d8) Dmg  8 +7 = 15

(2d20a) Attack (kick) 14 +6 = 20 [Hit] (1d4) Dmg  2 +4 = 6

] You deftly close the distance to the Hobgoblins. An overhead strike with your Blackthorn staff breaks the Hobgoblins face. You take a jump-step of the cave wall and deliver the edge of your foot to the side of its head. It staggers a few steps and falls dead into the cavern stream.

] Koza fires another arrow at the other Hobgoblin (02) [()] but misses. She then positions herself along the Southern cave wall near the tunnel and looks to you Deynn. She gives you an odd sort of nod.

] The other Hobgoblin recovers from the surprise quickly and draws its longsword on Roonoo [()] With a powerful thrust of the large blade, it draws blood (Dmg 6).

Roonoo] “Ogre Bells! That must be repaid.” I return the attack

(1d20) Attack 15 +7 = 22 [Hit] (1d8) Dmg 3 +7 = 10

(1d20) Attack (Kick) 4 +6 = 10 [Miss]

] You hear bones crack as your staff connects with the armored rib case of the Hobgoblin. The beastly humanoid yells something Goblin that echoes thru the chambers.

Deynn] I hold my action, Ready to grapple Klarg still.

] Koza takes one large step away from the wall and down to one knee while simultaneously drawing her bow towards the Hobgoblin [()] Her arrow flies true, skimming the top of Roonoo’s head, it sinks into the shoulder of the beast. It rages with the pain and attacks Roonoo again [()] but only succeeds in striking the rock of the cavern wall.

Roonoo] I continue

(1d20) Attack 12 +7 = 19 [Hit] (1d8) Dmg 3 +7 = 10

] You manage to strike the Hobgoblin in the same spot, sending splintered ribs shooting through its internal organs. Blood spurts from its nose and mouth as it drops to knee.

Roonoo] I deliver a killing blow with a hammer fist “The Black summons you Kakniffr!”

(1d20) Bonus Attack (Punch) 18 +6 = 24

] You bring your hammer fist down onto the back of it head and it crumples into a ball and slowly rolls to one side.

] Just as Roonoo is sending his opponent to the deepest pit, Klarg emerges from his chamber with a longsword in hand – looking Westward toward Roonoo and the dying Hobgoblin.

Deynn] I attempt a Grapple and, if successful, a pindown

(2d20a) Grapple 18 +4 = 22 vs 15 +3 = 18 [Success]

(2d20a) Pindown 17 +4 vs 5 +3 = 8 [Success]

] The large bugbear never even sees you as you grapple him from behind. You lock his arms and bring him down to the ground. You are both Restrained currently.

Deynn] “Roonoo! Bring that big stick of yours!”

Roonoo] I turn back to see Deynn wrapped around a Bugbear. “Gladly! I will bring my weapon too!” I move over to Deynn and Klarg and attack

(2d20a) Attack 13 +7 = 20 [Hit] (1d8) Dmg 4 +7 = 11

(2d20a) Flurry of Blows (1) 18 + 4 = 22 [Hit] (1d4) Dmg 2 +4 = 6

(2d20a) (2) 16 +4 = 20 [Hit] Dmg 3 +4 = 7 (Total 24 )

] The Bugbear chief of the Cragmaw tribe grunts under your barrage of undefendable blows. It struggles to break free of the grapple

1d20 Athletics 6 +3 = 9 vs 10 +4 = 14 [Fail]

Deynn] “Nice try my smelly friend.” I hold the pindown.

Roonoo] I spear the chief with the end of my Blackthorn

(2d20a) Attack 17 +7 = 24 [Hit] (1d8) Dmg 6 +7 = 13

(2d20a) Attack (kick) 13 +6 = 19 [Hit] (1d4) Dmg 4 +4 = 8 (Total 21)

] Klarg continues to struggle even as Roonoo is beating the life from him

1d20 Athletics 18 +3 = 21 vs 18 +4 = 22 [Fail]

Deynn] “There now… Calm yourself… Why strain your seams? Speak Common? Want to live?”

] “Klarg speak.” He says. “Want live.”

Roonoo] “Don’t tell me we would let him go! ”

Deynn] “I don’t suppose we should. But Klarg speak… Klarg wants to live… Got your rope handy Roonoo? Let’s tie him up while we decide what to do.”

] The Half Elf who was hiding in the pool jumps up out of the water. “Kill him! Better… Let me kill him!”. She stamps over to you, sheer naked and dripping wet, and [()] plants a heel kick into Klargs skull.

Deynn] “Wait! Just wait friend. We need information.” I spin the pindown around to block any further blows with my own back

Roonoo] I grab a rope and begin tying him.

Deynn] “Koza, you said you knew…”

] You look over to where Koza was positioned but see no sign of her.

Deynn] “Koza? Hey!” I yell… “Where did you go?” With Klarg tied, I release the grapple and stand up to look around.

] Koza is not to be found.

Deynn] “Did either of you see where she…”

] You hear loud screaming coming from the tunnel that leads to the bridge. Seconds later, a handful of Goblins rushes into the chamber, scimitars ready for action.

Roonoo] “More Goblins! Ready yourselves!”

] The attacking Goblins ignore you and begin hacking feverishly at Klarg. His blood sprays and paints the Half Elfs bare skin red as she stands close – watching the violence with a slightly giddy look on her face.

] The Goblins begin dancing around the shreded corpse and chanting something in Goblin. From the tunnel emerges a stripped and bloodied Sildar. He is favoring one leg and holding a twisted arm.

Deynn] “Sildar!” I run over to help him. “Thank Firemane! You still live!”

Roonoo] “What of Gundren? Is he still with you?”

] Sildar struggles to speak, but slowly tells you that Gundren was taken away early this morning – he does not know where. One of the Goblins, taller and larger than the others and wearing brand new chainmail armor, drops his sword at your feet and begins saying something in Gobin speech.

] Sildar “That is Yeemik. I believe he is thanking you for making him the new chief of the Cragmaw tribe. He actually protected me – prevented Klarg from killing me.” When the Goblin hears his name, he brightens a bit and touches his face “Yeemik!”

Deynn]  I thank the Goblin with a nod and a smile.

] Yeemik returns your smile with a distorted grin. He looks to Sildar and Deyni and then begins directing the other Goblins into action. Several run into Klargs chamber and return with clothes and Sildars armor and weapon. They also bring a thick cloak of deep blue color to the Half Elf.

Deynn] “You are severely injured Sildar. Let me try to heal you some.” I grab my pack and remove both flutes. I play my Willow flute and heal (4d4) all within hearing.

] Sildar appears to stand a bit straighter. You hear a splash as Deyni jumps back into the pool and begins washing the blood from her skin. Sildar explains what just happened… “I was being held in the chamber on the side of the bridge – guarded by Yeemik and these others. A Drow came and begin speaking with Yeemik. I could not understand what they said, but she seemed to rile them up to fight. I thought I was going to be slaughtered but then they all ran from the room. She untied me and told me to go find my friends.”

Deynn] “Did she say anthing else? Did she tell you where they took Gundren?”

] Sildar “No, at least I don’t think so… she just said ‘I have a date with a king’ and was gone in a blink. Who is she?”

Deynn] “That is a very good question – one I hope to to answer someday. We met her at a waystop – Peldons Passerthru – just last night. I think she got herself beaten up by a group of Half Orcs just to embed herself in our party… its hard to explain. I could not see any motive so I took her at her word. Now it appears she was seeking something… something she just learned I assume, which is why she is gone. I hope to see her again… but perhaps I should not.” I turn towards the Half Elf woman.

] You catch sight of the Half Elf is climbing gracefully back out of the pool. She sees your eyes upon her as she picks up the blue cloak and, with no hurry, covers herself in it.

Deynn] I take the other flute that belonged to Wahler over and hold it up for her. “You must be Deyni? Your sister is searching for you.”

] Deyni “Wahlers flute!? How did… what.. What has happened to Wahler?”

Roonoo] “I’m sorry to tell it lass, but we found his body on our way here.”

Deynn] “My name is Deynn K’Vyll. This is Roonoo and this old man is our dear friend Sildar.”

] Deyni “Well met everyone. I thought you dead Sildar, they way they dragged your body out of here earlier.”

] Sildar “I feared for what would happen to you young miss. I’m sorry I was powerless to halt the cruelty – against us both.”

Deynn] “We shall see you both safely to Phandalin for a good long rest. L’Khifrey should already be in town with Belteb and Darsla and Colt will meet us on the way.”

Roonoo] “What of Gundren? Can we not yet learn where he was taken?”

Deynn] “Do any of us speak Goblin? Or have the magic to understand Goblin?” I look around at my companions.

] Sildar and Deyni shake their heads.

Roonoo] “Don’t look at me… never crossed my mind to speak to a Goblin before I met you… do not you know…”

Deynn] “It is a first for me as well Roonoo…” I look to the Goblins… “Common? Any of you speak Common?”

] The Goblins are mostly unaware you are even speaking to them. A couple look at you and tilt their heads like a puppy dog trying to understand what the master wants. None reply.

Deynn] “Then there is little to do except trust Koza to find him.”

Roonoo] “Unless Koza is trying to kill him. Remember… I saw the drow before and thought she was watching Gundren.”

Deynn] “Oh, I am almost certain she was. And I am fully certain she is something other than she says… something more skilled… and more dangerous. But we do not know what motivates her… maybe it is this ‘king’ she said she has a date with.”

] Deyni “Are you talking about the drow that just pulled me by the hair like a dog?”

Deynn] “Yes… and that is another thing I am curious about… did you see the exchange between Koza and Klarg? We only overheard… can you describe what you saw?”

] Deyni “I could not understand any words, but she came in and started commanding it, talking down to it. Klarg cowered almost immediately. I got the impression she was his boss. When she pointed at me, her face was angry, scalding angry. Klarg let me out of that dretchin cage and she started dragging me out. You saw the rest.”

Deynn] “Before she walked in there, she said she had a 50/50 gamble and told us to wait outside. It was really odd, but her entire demeanor just shifted into another person… her posture, her facial expressions, even her walk changed – like she was putting on another person.”

Roonoo] “It was a clever ruse… and she did save you girly. It might not have appeared so at first, but she got you out of harms way. She knew we were on the lookout to help Darsley’s sister and must have recognized you. That whole situation could have gone down very differently were it not for the Drow.”

] Deyni “Clever indeed. Give her my thanks if you do see her again. And I owe the same each of you .” She walks over to Sildar and gives him a kiss. “I saw your concern for me in there. I could not stand to watch the violence done to you. I am glad you still live.” Then she turns to you Roonoo and gives you a kiss. “And thank you master Dwarf. My kind are often not even allowed eye contact from your kind… and yet I am alive and free because of your actions.”

] Then she steps over you Deynn “And my thanks to you as well.” she opens her arms and embraces you with a tight hug before kissing you as well. Then, before you can offer any response, she turns back and says “I found what we were looking for, the Lionshield Coster shipments. This cloak proves it… look at the Lionhead emblem – this is from the stolen shipment we were being paid to recover. I have no idea how I am going to transport it to Phandalin, but at the very least I can return to Linene Graywind with the knowledge of its location.”

Deynn] “Darsley and Colt will meet us down at the Triboar, but you are right, you will need a larger force to move all these crates down through the hills… you will not get a wagon up here. Speaking of moving down the hill, we should begin to make our way.”

] Sildar has been putting the last of his armor on… “Don’t you want to take a moment to explore Klargs trove in there? There is much more than just the Lionshield Coster shipment. And theres more across the bridge where the drow girl found me.”

Deynn] “I have what I need, thanks. These were all stolen goods anyway. Perhaps the rest can eventually be returned.”

Roonoo] “Are we just going to leave these shit-eaters alive to ambush more shipments tomorrow? To kill more horses?”

Deynn] “Good point Roonoo… I do not know. Goblins are what they are in this part of the world… bandits and killers looking for fresh victims… but I cannot see us just murdering them. Any ideas Sildar?”

] Sildar “These few Goblins are not the full remainder of the tribe. I’d say there were about a dozen more that left when they took Gundren. Most of them were of the larger variety. I’m with Deynn though, I will not be a party to an outright slaughter. Unless they decide to attack us on the way out when they think our backs are turned… I say we let them be for now. When we get to Phandalin, I will message my fellows in the Lords Alliance for some guidance.”

Deynn] “Agreed. And I think we all know better than to turn our backs on them. Shall we make our way?”

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