Wardens of Heroes Gate

Onward North with the Wwaldyr Siblings

[RECAP] You are traveling to the Treyvigg Monastery for some Summertide Wine. Along the way you met the halfling Bragos twins, Nim and Norli, along with Tronk, when there were held up by a group of bandits calling themselves Cyrics Cudgel. After defeating them on the road, they assaulted the entire camp at Drovers Field in Mosstone as vengeance. They were yet again defeated and the leader of their group destroyed by Tronks hammer. You hired two guards from Titans Fist Protection Company who are to meet you at the Drovers Field gate, along some with extra provisioning.

] The dark night has just begun to fade when you cross the field to the gate into town. Standing there are 3 half-elves, two female and one very young male.

Valea] “Bright Skies. Might these be from Titans Fist?”

] Arathen “Bright Skies to you. Yes, we are guard from Titans Fist. Are you the ones heading for The Small Teeth?”

Yisi] “Yes we are, but we hired only two guards.”

] Arathen “Ah yes. Special deal today, three for the price of two. This is actually our younger brother, Tovalthir. He will be sitting in and observing… mostly. We are training him for his sanctioning with Titans Fist. I am Arathen Dwaldyr and this is my sister Araola.”

Valea] I hold my clawed mitt to my breast and bow slightly “Valea is pleased to share the days with you. Gold-face here is called Yisi. ”

Yisi] “We could use the extra help I think… Given the events of last night the Trade Way may be molten with angry bandits today.”

Valea] “This one thinks bandits stay home, lick wounds today no?”

Yisi] “May ‘Tel Aes’tar so aim.”

] Araola “We were at Oak Fathers when we heard the field was being attacked. By the time we got here, the bandits had been run-off. We carried water for the fires and saw the death on the ground. We did not hear the truth of the terror however. It sounds like you may know why they attacked?”

Yisi] “Vengeance. At least their leader said so just before we saw her brains fly from her head. They were part of some cult… Cyrics Cudgel. All of them were Half-Orcs as well, which I cannot explain. We first encountered them on the Trade Way to the south. They attacked us with very few numbers and defeating them was easy. But one ran and obviously shared news of our victory over the fools, so they attacked Drovers Field just to avenge three nits. Cult-heads… I hope to never met with another…”

] A young human arrives with a cart carrying your provisions. You point him to your wagon and he goes to load it with your goods.

] Araola “We have our mounts waiting for us at the north stables. If you are all set to go, we shall meet you at your wagon shortly.”

Valea] “Valea is ready.”

Yisi] “Nim Bragos looks to be ready and waiting on us to get started. We will join their caravan as far north as Tethir Road. We shall head east to Treyvigg Monastery and they will continue on their way to Baldurs Gate.”

] Arathen “That will work for us. Many shall stand where few would fall.”

] The 5 of you join the caravan as it pulls out of Drovers Field and follows a pathway which circles back to the Trade Way. The Tethyr Forest on your right grows closer and thicker as you travel north.

Yisi] “The Forest King rules a deep dominion, and silent citizens praise his throne. From the shadows of life he bears one weight, the waking of wonder among his own.

Valea] “This Umber Cat would like to meet this king and have her wonder awakened too.”

Yisi] “I dare think we have become his citizens by passing so close to his kingdom.”

] Araola “The Wealdath will grow thicker and deeper yet. A few hours ahead, we must travel right through as it flows over into the Dragons Neck. We have often met with trouble where the Way North grows dark with wood.”

Valea] “This one has not been further than Mosstone… at least, not in memory. Do tell a story?”

] Araola “We have encountered Gnolls a few times. There are several gangs of them hunting these woods, and they do love the hunt. Our first encounter was fairly easy because their numbers were small, but they learned quickly not to overestimate travelers on the Way North. Last time, we were overpowered and had to flee to save the lives of our Defended. A shipment was lost but no lives. ”

] Arathen “It may be best to save these stories until after we have passed through the dark parts of Way North… ”

Yisi] “We are unwilling to be frightened, but I do appreciate the care. What else have you seen? ”

] Tolvathir “Tell them about the time the Ogre got crushed by the Treant!”

] Araola “We were ambushed on trip by an Ogre and a large band of goblins. We were holding our own but getting tired, and the Ogre was a heavy bully… over 11 foot tall and chaotic with his cudgel. It was sending strong fighters flying, along with his own goblins. Suddenly, roots snaked their way around its legs and pulled it back into the forest. We lost sight of it but heard the ground shaking with terrible blows. We were still fighting off the remaining goblins when the thousand pound corpse fell out of the canopy and splat! Right on top of several gobbies. The thing feed the birds and beasts of the forest for weeks. Last time we came through, its bones were still there.”

Valea] “A Treant did this?”

] Tolvathir “What else? There are rumors that they patrol the Wealdath. The Druids in this area all but worship them. I have heard other such stories too… merchants being protected by the very forest itself.”

] Arathen “I have heard just as many stories of merchants being killed by the forest itself… but it is true, Araola and I were saved by trees that day. And I give offerings to them in thanks. ”

] The half-elf guards share more stories from the 3 years they have been escorting clients up and down The Trade Way. Most of their contracts have such a story, they tell you. Arathen stops the talk with a warning to keep quiet and keep watch as the forest begins to grow on your left side as well. You are entering into what they called “The Dark” of the Way North. As the canopy overhead thickens, it begins to feel like nightime, even though Darkstar Sleeping is still hours away.

] Araola “We have made good time. We should be through the Dark in about 3 hours and then we can set up camp on the other side – before we get too close the Tethir Road. The crossroads there can present a different kind of danger. Bandits love the crossroad… and I would too if I were a road bandit. The Trade Way drops down into a sharp ravine. The Tethir Road crosses it in this ravine where the walls are steep and 20 foot high. It is an ideal pinch-point with lots of traffic.”

] The air within “The Dark” has a cold chill to it, even though it is a warm High Sun day. It has been dark as a moonless night for nearly an hour now. There is a stench in the air which is difficult to describe as it is unlike anything. It burns your nostrils and your eyes begin to water. Up ahead in the darkness you hear a horrifying screech.

] Arathen “Hold up! I recognize that sound. An owlbear is hunting… and it is close enough that we may be what it is hunting. Let us stand at the ready here. We will take the front. ”

Yisi] I follow Arathen, Araola and Tolvathir to the front of the caravan.

Valea] As do I.

] Tronk has already climbed down in front of their oxen and has his war hammer at the ready. There is no sign of Nim or Norli.  Guard Vedette and Guard Varannt Each take position on either side of the caravan near the back  to guard against other attacks. [()]

] As you all hold still and at the ready for attack, Valea notices off to the left side of the road, an odd grouping of dark foliage. Nothing apparent is moving, you just notice something about the dark shape of nature seeming unnatural.

Valea] I take a closer look to the left side. Basto Stick held strong in front of me

1d20 Perception 18 +4 = 22

] You see that the unnatural shape is not actually trees and moss and foliage but a creature. It unfolds and launches at you in aggression. [()] A misshapened claw at the end of an unnaturally long arm swipes out at you and rakes your furry flesh (10dmg). A second claw follows from the dark wood [()] but misses you. The face of the creature becomes clear as it lurches in to bite you. [()] Your Basto Stick successfully keeps the mangled teeth from reaching you.

] On the right side of the roadway, another earthy green creature leaps out at Yisi [()] You see the first claw coming but the speed of the second swipe is amazingly quick and draws blood (7dmg). It leaps out onto the roadway and you can see it is some sort of troll.

[Initiative Order]

] Valea has first attack

Valea] I use my Basto Stick to attack the hideous creature (Troll02). And follow up with a Flurry of Blows

1d20 Attack 18 +7 = 25 [Hit] Dmg 5 +5 = 10

1d20 Attack 7 +6 = 13 [Miss]

1d20 Attack 12 +6 = 18 [Hit] Dmg 5 +5 = 10

] You jab the butt-end of your staff into chest of the troll. It sinks in strangely but makes solid connection ultimately. You pull back as you turn and swing. Your first swing misses but you allow the momentum to sweep you around and strike the head of the thing solidly.

] Guard Argathen steps in to assist you with the troll (02). [()] He turns side to side, sweeping a scimitar gracefully until within range and the curved blade circles up, seperating troll flesh across its torso. A foul gas releases from the sliced warts on the troll.[Roll Con Save] [()]

Valea] “Nastiness!” I turn my head and hold my breath

1d20 Con Save 16 +7 = 23 [Save]

] Tronk yells something in Goblin as he stomps in with his maul raised overhead. [()] He brings it down on the skull of the troll (02) with a critical strike. The bones within the beasts head are heard cracking. The troll drops down, its long arms brace against the ground. It sinks and then springs up teeth first against Tronk [()] which misses. It makes unnerving growling sound as it swipes to slice Tronk with its claws. [()] The first attack rips open bugbear flesh but the second misses. Tronk’s face becomes grim with the pain.

] Guard Ariola has gone to the right of the roadway against the troll (01) that has leaped out of the forest. She appears to be dancing as she steps in to attack with her scimitar [()] but misses. Her younger brother follows her example in attack [()] and also misses.

Yisi] I use a bonus action to try and identify any potential vital points on this creature.

1d20 Medicine [Giant DC 18] 12 +3 = 15 [Fail]

] The troll towers over you, its arms so long it could scratch its toes while standing up straight. You see no indication of any vital points within your reach.

Yisi] I attack with a best guess. “Bend down here so I can poke out your eyes!”

1d20 Attack 20 [Crit] Dmg 8 +5 +7 = 20

] You plunge the long needles of your Trisula deep into it lower abdomen area. If feels like spearing a large wheel of cheese. The giant reacts with a growl of pain as you circle out and withdraw your weapons from the beasts belly. It swipes a giant claw at you [()] and gashes your shoulder [7dmg] and then brings the unnaturally long claws other unnaturally long arms against you [()] and misses as you duck and roll.

] Guard Varannt fires a crossbow at the same troll (01) from one of the caravan wagons [()] and the bolt buries itself into the chest of the giant. Guard Vedette has the same tactic, firing on the other side (troll02) [()] successfully.

] Top of Round

Valea] “Watch out for the stink sacs!” I yell over to Yisi and the others. I deploy another round of attacks, trying to be mindful of the scum spitting boils on the beast (troll 02).

1d20 Attack 11 +7 = 18 [Hit] Dmg 4 +5 = 9

1d20 Flurry 6 +6 = 12 [Miss]

1d20 Flurry 11 +6 = 17 [Hit] 2 +4 = 6

[Does Valea’s attack strike a muskwart boil? [()] no.]

] Your weapon batters the giants rib cage and you manage to avoid breaking open any boils.

] Guard Argathen continues his attack. [()] His blade is blocked by a claw but it scrapes up into a long finger, coating the sharp edge with troll blood.

] Tronk brings his Maul of Terror to bear once again (troll 02) [()] but fails critically, opening himself up for an opportunity attack. [()] The troll retaliates with bite attempt but misses.

] As the giant winds up to swing a claw at Tronk, a thin glowing net drops down on it from a tree above and drapes the troll in a green glow. Then a long thin dagger of bright light shoots down and spears through the torso of the troll and then dissipates as it exits its chest. The trolls face shows anguish and fear for a moment before the body drops to the roadway.

] “Its blood is mine!” You hear a gravelly voice say from trees.

] On the other side of the roadway, Ariola is attacking the other troll (01) [()] Her longsword lops off one of its long arms at the elbow. Tolvalthir flanks the giant [()] and gains a critical hit on it. His scimater opens up a huge chunk of troll flesh and noxious fumes spit out at everything within 10 feet. Roll Con Save. Tolvathir is poisoned. Ariola is poisoned.

Yisi]

1d20 Con Save Throw 11 +2 = 13 [Save]

Yisi] I step in beside Tolvathir and attempt to take advantage of the open wound.

2d20a Attack 20 [Crit] Dmg 8 +4 +7 = 19

] With the insides of the troll exposed, you gain a critical advantage with your needles. The giant falls dead but is still for only a second. The exposed insides gurgle and you can see the flesh starting to repair itself. From its prone position it strikes out with its remaining hand at [()] Tolvathir but misses. It lurches and attempt to bite [()] Ariola who manages to step back far enough. The hand she cut off just previously, however, is crawling towards her. [()] The claws wrap around her calf and clinch down on the armor but fails to draw blood.

] Guard Varannt yells “We need fire!” and he attempts to plunge his longsword down into the troll [()] successfully. A gnome dressed in green and brown forest colors jumps in and, seemingly from the palm of an empty hand, throws a thin green net over the corpse of the troll. The flesh sizzles for a moment before the net dissapates into a gel and then disappears. The troll remains still and silent. “Its blood is mine!” The gnome says. “I’ve been hunting these three for over a tenday now… I claim rights.” He looks down and sees the troll forearm clinging to Ariolas calf. “You got something on your leg there…. Hand me that torch. Quick like!” He burns the still squeezing hand and pulls it away.

Yisi] “You are welcomed to whatever you want from the corpse… I only desire some distance from it. Wait… you said three…” I step back into ready stance and search the forest for another.

] Gnome “Right, three is what I said.”

] Ariola “Where is the third then?”

] Gnome “Oh… right… it still needs killing. I will get to it as soon as I harvest these.” From the small satchel hanging at his hip, he pulls out a large tube shaped device. It is at least 4 feet long – taller than the gnome himself – and about a foot in diameter. Up the length of one side, there are several vials inserted into the device. One end has three needle sharp prongs which he plunges into the troll corpse. You see a green viscous liquid begin filling up the vials. As they fill, the gnome swaps them with empty vials, placing the full ones into the small pouch.

Valea] “This one is new in these parts… what could anyone want with the nasty’s blood?”

] Argathen “Poisons most likely.”

] Gnome “Yes, poisons. Also potions. Very good potions that heal very good.”

Yisi] “You have been hunting these trolls? Three of them? By yourself?”

] Gnome “Yes. Well I found them all together at first. That did not go well. Taking on three at a time is ill-advised. Lucky for me you came along.” He yanks the device out of the troll and then walks over to the other and plunges it in, filling up even more vials. “But the blood of three trolls is a huge payday for me. Rayni will smile at me for hours. She will also pay me some gold, but for the smile of Rayni I would go against 6 trolls! 7 Maybe!”

Valea] “Valea thinks she sees grand love in the little brave.”

] Gnome “Valea?”

Yisi] “Yes, her name is Valea. I am Yisi.” I introduce the others standing there. “Well met brave one.”

] Gnome “I am called Joloobo. I already forgot your names. You is a lot of people.” He yanks the device out of the second troll and somehow slips it back into the small pouch. “I should get after the other one.”

Valea] “How is Joloobo so sure there is another here?”

Joloobo] “I heard it. So did you… that Owlbear screech? That was the third troll. See they are not real smart, but they figured out that their prey was too often aware of them by smell long before sight. I have no idea how they came up with the idea but I’ve seen other troupes of forest trolls use the same tactic. The mimic’d Owlbear screech puts you on alert right at the time you start wondering what the awful smell is. The sound of danger far off distracts you from the danger right beside you. They keep their bellies full with the trick. Still… they must a learned it from something smarter than they are. Say… speaking of something smarter… which way are you heading?”

Yisi] “We travel North to Tethir Road and then East toward Brost.”

Joloobo] “Glad I asked then. There is a new dragon hunting along the Tethir road, a young green dragon. I’ve seen caravans your size wiped out recently. If you have anything shiny in your wagons, cover it up… I suspect it is just as concerned with building its hoard as it is with filling its belly. Watch the skies friends. And now… I away to finish of my own prey.”

] The gnome jumps off into the forest and disappears.

Valea] “Well that was exciting. Everyone okay?”

] Just as you ask the question, Tolvathir erupts with vomiting. His sister looks like she was just holding things together until that point, and turns towards the forest and begins vomitting herself.

Yisi] “We should rest a little while… but perhaps we can move ahead and get upwind of the troll smell eh?” I feel a brief inspiration strike. “Green nasties lie in wait, they trick my ears, my flesh to taste, but then a brave in forest style, bottles nasty blood  for the price of a smile.”

Valea] “Knife-ear should keep working on that one… but it was exciting, and strange. How, this one wonders, did he that large thing in and out of such a small bag?”

] Guard Vedette “I’ve seen such things in Calimshan. In fact, Norli might be able to make them. The are commonly calls ‘Bags of Holding’… something about pocket dimensions or some such thing. I don’t understand it, but I’ve seen it.”

] At the mention of Norli’s name, Tronk scrambles back to their wagon “Norli okay? Nim Okay?” you hear Nim confirm they are both fine.