Fantasy Military Campaign

[thedanster7000]

Fantasy Military Campaign

War. War never changes. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?489970-Fantasy-Military-Campaign-OOC&highlight=Fantasy+Military)

The sound of battle is audible even from inside the walls. The restless clamour, determined battle-cries, sound of sword-on-armour, and the screams.
The guide who is escorting you to the reserve barracks glances over at you, "I don't suppose you fellas will be getting much fighting done today, eh? Sounds like our boys out there are giving them a right good thrashing, eh eh? Hahahaha!"
The ground shakes violently as it has done several times during the assault; whilst hobgoblins are famed for their militaristic mindset, it seems that their engineering of war machines is an equally impressive trait.

You reach the barracks, entering through a termite-ridden but well-varnished door-frame. The inside reveals a couple of empty weapon racks, some cupboards, and a few benches. The doors of the cupboards have been cut into a geometric design, adding a touch of class, despite their plain wood.
The guide gestures at the benches and sits down, "You blokes couldn't tell me a bit about how you got into the soldiering profession, could ye? Me's always wanted to be a soldier, y'see, but me back's always done me in at the tryouts. *strectches* "

This is an opportunity for your characters to introduce themselves (or otherwise display their personality) before your captain arrives.

[ludoge]

"Bastards took my sheep, so I joined. Best way to help, I figured. Never thought I'd be doing this to be honest. But hey, at least it's going to be over soon, isn't it ?"
As I speak, I gradually go from a frown to a smile.
"And what about you guys ?"

[Ricedaddy]

Sal sits on one of the benches and unhooks one of two waterskins from his pack.

"Took your sheep, eh? Little buggers. I'll help give them a good smashing when we see some action. Myself, well, I was all set to be a cleric. Do you know how you get into being a cleric? In Odin's church you serve for years as Layman. But all a Layman does is light candles. Thousands of candles lit in the morning, thousands extinguished at night, only to be lit again in the morning. I got bored, got drunk...really drunk...and may have destroyed a couple of buildings. Next morning I left home before they could do anything about it. A paladin of Odin found me in a tavern a few months ago, told me that I could join that order, but I had to redeem myself in Odin's eye in war and abstain from the drink until that time. So here I am, in war and not drinking," Sal says as he takes a swig from the waterskin. He glances at it briefly, the as he hurriedly re-ties he says, "Well, still working on some things"

[MintyNinja]

The small, thin man with the shoulder length straw-coloured hair nodded along to each of the others as they spoke. He gave a little start of surprise when it was his turn, but quickly said, "I always been a good shot with the bow and every fight needs someone to patch up the wounded. When my ship hit port the captain gave me leave to volunteer." He smiled at that as he looked back and forth to the others. "So I guess I'll be in the dirt with ya, keeping wounds clean and warding off death as we go."

[tbergman92]

Nick scans the room as they enter, looking for any other entry and exit points. He remains standing, back to the wall, as their guide gestures to the benches and asks for their stories.

He silently listens to his companions' stories, noting both the histories and gear of his companions. As the third concludes his commentary, Nickolas waits a moment before simply stating, "I was a wilderness guide. The invaders made it too dangerous to take folk out, so I joined up to clear the ways." He paused briefly to nod at the other archer, and continued, "I'm an archer myself--though more used to shooting game than warriors--and a fair hand at living off of and remembering the lay of the land."

[Ricedaddy]

"I imagine that wildlife is harder to track and shoot than some dumb green-skinned louts from the valley. A deer is smarter than an orc, and smells a thousand times better. I think we'll do just fine once we see some action," Sal's eyes glint with an excitement, ready to prove himself to a deity who embraces warfare.

"I failed to say my name, by the way. Salanne Irongut, but I prefer Sal."

[MintyNinja]

The young archer nodded and smiled as the others continued the discussion. After Sal introduced himself, he added, "Oh, right. I'm Percy, by the way. Lookin' forward to the fight."

[ludoge]

Cedric listens attentively, ponders a second or two, and weighs in.
"Well, to be honest, I don't know what to expect from a fight. Only been in one, spent half of it as a dog running away. Not my proudest moment. I can hurt a wolf pretty bad with this though." He pulls off a leather bit strapped around his wrist, which turns out to be a sling.
"Well, I just hope I can help. At least I can patch you up some afterwards. Hope we're going to get along well if we're fighting together, you guys seem nice ! Oh, and the name is Cedric. He scans at the other people, then resumes :
"Don't worry about the dog thing, I'm not some kind of werebeast, it's just something my uncle taught me. It's easy, really. You just have to be on good terms with the old gods of the fields and hills. My family's always been. Not much to do when watching the flock besides talking to them and learning stuff to be quite honest.

[tbergman92]

The woodsman's eyes showed no expression, continuing to rove around the room, as the group introduced themselves. "I'm Nickolas, or Nick for short. I've found that the quickest way to get yourself into trouble is to underestimate what you might be up against." The last was delivered almost clininically, directed to the dwarf, eyes settling on him for a short, jarring moment. Turning to the young shepherd, his leaf-green eyes once again roaming, to say in a somewhat softer voice, "Running is nothing to be ashamed of--you can't help anyone else if you're dead."

[thedanster7000]

The door opens and your captain strides into the room. Geoffrey, despite his common birth, has risen through the ranks to become a respected soldier and nobleman. He is tall, strong, and rests an ornately-crafted greatsword on his shoulder.

He glances at you all for a moment,
"Recruits, you will be pleased to hear my news
our brothers hath defended our city with ease
Wretched hobgoblin dregs did not expect
our force, numbers, nor frontal assault
Despite the troops returned we must defend
our walls; breached, so us shalt guard until
a wizard is fetched to fix goblins' destruction
Our orders are thus, come!"

He gets up, gestures at your weapons lying on the side, and opens the door for you to exit.

[MintyNinja]

Percy tightened the straps on his pack, checked over his quiver on his hip and snatched up his long bow as he nearly jumped to the ready. Anyone looking for his ready grin would instead have seen a look of consternation as the call.to action settled on his shoulders. It was time to actually put actions to the bold words he'd said, and perchance some of those words were flavored with the bravado of youth.

[tbergman92]

At the captain's orders, Nick rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck. Lifting his crossbow, he checked its trigger mechanism and string to ensure they were still in prime condition. Nodding in satisfaction, he stepped through the open door and to the side, quickly scanning his surroundings and thinking to himself, Today we will test what we are worth.

He waited for the rest of the group to exit the barracks, and took a position at the rear, eyes and ears alert for any sign of danger coming from behind the group.

[ludoge]

Cedric stands up, nervously twirling his sling. He grabs his shield, muttering:"Well, here goes. Hope nobody gets hurt."
He fastens his shield, straps a spear to his back, and opens his pouch of stones. He heads for the door. He looks worried. What is he even expected to do ? he wonders. He draws a deep breath and heads for the door.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal stands and slings his pack over his shoulder. Standing didn't add much to his height, but the dwarf was built castle.

"Aye, lads, now's the chance to see what we're actually worth. Lead on, Captain!"

[thedanster7000]

Geoffrey leads you to a section of the wall that has been smashed open by a catapult. You have to climb over some extensive rubble to get to the breach. There's a gaping hole that looks ideal for any local angry hobgoblins. He stands in the breach and nods for you to position yourselves behind him. He looks tired and this is emphasised when he readies his sword.

w=wall,r=rubble,-=empty

wwwwww---wwww
rr---------G--------r
rrr----------------rr
rrr-------------rrrrr
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[Ricedaddy]

Sal brings his Warhammer to hand, adopting a relaxed but ready posture. His eyes scan the horizon through the breach.

[ludoge]

Cedric stands back, looks at the breach, and recites a brief prayer to the gods, accompanied by the gestures his uncle taught him.
"Sky above the rolling grass,
grant a glimpse of what will pass"
He then readies his sling and twirls it a bit. He looks far more assured now than before.

Cedric casts Guidance on himself (the plan being to improve his initiative)

[MintyNinja]

Percy set up at the back edge of the clearing, across from the breach. He double checked that his Medicine Kit was handy and tested the string on his bow.

[tbergman92]

Nick took up position a few paces behind and to the left of the Captain, and checked his quivers to make sure the bolts were accessible. He keeps his eyes mostly focused on te breach, but they continue to observe the rubble and other surroundings to prevent anyone sneaking up on the group. Satisfied for the moment, he lifted his crossbow and readied himself for the fray.

[thedanster7000]

Three hobgoblins rush through the gap!

Geoffrey - 21
Hobgoblins - 19
Party < 19 (if everyone takes actual turn order it'll take forever)

Turn 1:
Geoffrey slices through a hobgoblin effortlessly, leaving it twitching in the mud, almost hewn in two.
The other two hobgoblins flank Geoffrey and attempt to cut him down; one lands a blow and his sword cuts deep into flesh.

We can either keep the positioning abstract or use roll20? I'm fine with either.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal moves up behind one of the remaining hobgoblins and brings his hammer down, aiming for the back of the neck.



[roll0] Damage: [roll1]



"Are you alright, Captain?" He says as he steps back from his swing.

[ludoge]

Cedric slings at the third hobgoblin, aiming for the throat.

[roll0] Damage: [roll1], plus [roll2] if crit

"Eat THIS, monster !"

[tbergman92]

Nick circled around Geoffrey, taking a few paces back and to the right of him, and fired at the third hobgoblin as well, reloading and firing a second shot before even waiting to see if his first had landed.

Action Attack vs third hobgoblin:
Atk: [roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]

Bonus Action Attack vs. third hobgoblin:
Atk: [roll2]
Dmg: [roll3]

[MintyNinja]

Percy drew an arrow, lined up the shot and fired at the hobgoblin next to Sal and Geoffrey. He reasoned that distracted targets were easier to take down.

Attack Action
[roll0] for [roll1] + [roll2] Damage.
If Crit: + [roll3] + [roll4]

[thedanster7000]

A hobgoblin falls to Nick and Percy's attacks, his blood seeping into the mud around his twitching corpse.

Turn 2:

Geoffrey takes a powerful swing at the last hobgoblin, catching him in the thigh, leaving a gaping wound.

The enraged hobgoblin spins around to strike Sal but stumbles in his haste and misses.

[ludoge]

"Hooray !"Cedric exclaims as the hobgoblin he just missed falls.

He slings at the remaining one.

To hit: [roll0] doing [roll1] damage plus [roll2] on a crit.

[Ricedaddy]

After chuckling at the clumsiness of his foe, Sal punctuates his laugh with an uppercut aimed for the hobgoblin's chin.



[roll0] Damage: [roll1]

[MintyNinja]

One down, an uncountable army to go, Percy thought to himself. He drew back another arrow and lined up the shot for the remaining enemy. He blinked as Sal landed a blow and instead hesitated long enough to decide whether his foe was standing or not.

Ready an Action: Attack
Trigger: If this hobgoblin lives through the attacks so far, or if another comes through the breach.

Rolling for now to speed us along:
[roll0] for [roll1] and [roll2]
If Critical Hit +: [roll3] and [roll4]

[tbergman92]

"Humph. That was easy, but keep your eyes on the breach!" Despite his admonition, Nick's eyes flick over the entire field of the rubble, checking for any further threats before lining up his own shot.

I'll also ready my action to attack.
Trigger: if the hobgoblin is still up, or if another enters the breach.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[thedanster7000]

The last hobgoblin falls.

Geoffrey gives a slight smile but it turns into an angry frown as he spots something outside the walls and charges towards it. You hear a slash and a body hit the ground.

A decorated hobgoblin with a bloody greatsword walks laughing through the breach.

Turn 3:

[tbergman92]

Nick looked around at his comrades, "Do any of you know any healing magic? We need to check on the captain." As he spoke, he fired his crossbow twice in rapid succession at the hobgoblin and took a few steps away from it.

Action Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Bonus Action Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Ricedaddy]

Sal steps up to the hobgoblin while it's still reeling from Nick's arrow and brings the hammer down in a big overhead arc.


Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]


"Odin's given me some small amounts of healing magic. It will be enough to heal anything not too serious. I'll look once we bring this biggun' down." Sal calls back to Nick.

[ludoge]

"I can heal too, if only he was still in sight..."
Cedric slings at the hobgoblin.

[roll0] doing [roll1] (+[roll2] on crit)

[MintyNinja]

He heard the body fall and the laughing enemy through the blood pounding in his ears. "Cover me," he shouted as the others called out for a healer. Percy, with his backpack loaded up and his weapons secure, bolted forward as if to charge the Hobgoblin with just the bow in his hands. At the last second he dodged right, trying to duck the swinging blade and get to the Captain through the breach. Percy skid to a halt beside the wounded man ignoring his own health to save this one's life. He pulled out his Healer's Kit and set to work stabilizing the Captain.

Move: Going past the Hobgoblin. If there's a way to get around him and still get to the Captain, I'd prefer that, but I'm willing to eat an AoO.
Action: Stabilize Captain Geoffrey: No Roll needed as using a Healer's Kit. He's brought back up to 1, as per Healer Feat.

[thedanster7000]

One of Nick's bolts hits the hobgoblin in the knee, and he visibly starts limping slightly. Despite this, he raises his greatsword, swings at Sal, misses, but comes around with a thrust that catches him.
9 damage.

[Ricedaddy]

"Why, you idiot! You think you can stab me and get away with it?" Sal recoils from the strike, but then steps in with one of his own.


[roll0] Damage [roll1]

[tbergman92]

Nick grimaced as the hobgoblin's swing made contact with Sal.
His eyes caught the limp caused by his last arrow, and he decided continuing to attack would be far more helpful than any of the more dangerous ideas that came into his mind. He sent two more bolts whistling toward the enemy.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] + [roll2] if crit.

Bonus action Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] + [roll5] if crit

[ludoge]

"Sal, are you hurting ? Hold on !" As Cedric speaks, Sal's wound stops bleeding.

"Now to do some hurting myself" Cedric slings at the hobgoblin, with more conviction than the previous times, and anger in his eyes.

Bonus action: cast Healing Word on Sal, healing [roll0] damage.
Attack: [roll1] doing [roll2] plus [roll3] on a crit

[MintyNinja]

Having done what he could for the Captain, Percy fired off an arrow from a crouched position at the newly wounded Hobgoblin.


Attack:
[roll0] for [roll1]+[roll2] Piercing Damage.
If Crit: +[roll3]+[roll4]

[thedanster7000]

The hobgoblin is heavily wounded by the flurry of attacks, gives a cry, and attacks at Sal anew. However, in his furious and wounded state, Sal easily holds off his strikes.

[MintyNinja]

Still crouching next to Captain Geoffrey, through the breach in the wall, Percy fires off another arrow at the wounded foe.

Attack:
[roll0] for [roll1]+[roll2] Damage.
If Crit: +[roll3]+[roll4]

[Ricedaddy]

"We've got him beat, lads!"



[roll0] Damage: [roll1]

[tbergman92]

Calmly noting the hobgoblin's weakened and frenzied state, Nick absently fires two more arrows, eyes searching out new threats.


Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] + [roll2] if crit.

Bonus Action Attack:[roll3]
Damage: [roll4] +[roll5] if crit.

[ludoge]

Observing that he has finally scored a hit, and that Sal is doing fine for now, Cedric slings at the hobgoblin yet again.

[roll0] doing [roll1] plus [roll2] on a crit.

[thedanster7000]

Nick's bolt brings him tumbling down before Cedric catches him on the head and he lays still.

You each gain 200 EXP :smallsmile:

Geoffrey looks up at Percy gratefully before collapsing into a fit of blood-spitting coughing. He's stable, but appears to be damaged internally.

[MintyNinja]

With the immediate threat down and out, Percy scans the battlefield outside of the breach for anymore hostiles. If he sees none, he'll call out for the others, "All clear out here. Captain's alive, needs to be taken in."

[thedanster7000]

There's no sight of anyone and a grim silence hangs in the air. Geoffrey continues to cough.

[ludoge]

Cedric rushes to the wounded Captain and grabs him by the feet, ready to carry him back if someone else lifts the man by the shoulders.
"Doesn't look good. Let's get him back in, fast."

[MintyNinja]

Percy nods as he lifts the Captain by the shoulders. "Is anyone else terribly injured?" he asks as he and Cedric bring the Captain through the breach.

[Ricedaddy]

A bit scratched but I've had much worse. We don't need to worry about using any resources on me. We need to get the Captain back to the field hospital. I'll guard the right side. If you guys get tired I'll spell ya."

Sal keeps a ready hammer for any threats.

[tbergman92]

"What about the breach? We still need to protect it until someone repairs it." Nick kept his eyes watching the breach, crossbow at the ready.

[Ricedaddy]

"Good point. I'll stay with you to guard it. Between your cross bow and my armor we should be able to handle ourselves. I have some healing ability too. Those mages won't be long, hopefully, and Percy and Cedric can come back after they drop of the Captain."

[thedanster7000]

"Thank you gentlemen, but that won't be necessary," says a large man escorting a robed elf into the breach. The elf spreads his arms, speaks a few words, holds a staff aloft, and starts using Bigby's hand to pile up the rubble.

The man nods at Geoffrey with a worried expression on his face. "Get him to the clerics, although I'm afraid they have their work cut out as it is. You have fought well today, and protected a valued member of our city, I'll see what I can do to make sure you receive the proper recognition for it."

[ludoge]

"Huh, yes, Sir. Thank you."
To the group:
"Anyone know where the clerics are? I just got here today. Sal, maybe ? Anyway, well done, we've done a pretty good job. I wish I could have helped a bit more. Still, off to a good start!"

[MintyNinja]

"Yes, sir," Percy replies to the older man. He doesn't know where the clerics are, but instead continues to follow Cedric while carrying his own half of the Captain's weight.

[Ricedaddy]

"I don't know where they are," Sal says before he turns the newcomer who arrived with the mage, "Sir, which way to the clerics?"

[thedanster7000]

"Ah yes, of course, check the barracks, else they'll be at the shrines."

An enrobed human arrives to assist the elf.

[MintyNinja]

"Let's just bring him to the Barracks and we can fetch a cleric if one ain't there, eh?" Percy says as he readjusts his grip on the large man's shoulders.

[Ricedaddy]

"Sounds good to me, Percy"

[tbergman92]

Nick asserted his agreement with the plan as well, "Let's go, then. Let me know if you need to switch out on carrying him." His eyes never left the breach as the rubble piled up in the wall, relaxing his crossbow and looking away only as they left the area.

[thedanster7000]

You arrive back at the barracks, and find clerics throughout the place, mostly humans and dwarves. A few see Geoffrey and start to take him to be healed.

"Wait! I shalt be but a moment. Recruits, you have fought bravely and honourably and mine life is only so because of your noble heroism. I am weary and injured, I shall not be fit for fighting soon, I should think. Take my sword, and see it gets to my son, one of you may wield it until such a time. He hath been fighting to the West, and should return once these cursed goblins have been defeated. Thank you."

His greatsword is ornately carved, the hilt two golden griffons: "As we must strike swift but with power." An elvish etching lines the blade itself which reads: Power, Swiftness, Justice.

+1 Greatsword
Once a day, a Good-aligned creature who lands a critical hit with this sword against an Evil creature add a number of D6's equal to the sword's current charge to the damage.

Charging: During a short or long rest (doesn't use up a spell slot during a long rest, as it is recovered during the rest), a Good-aligned spell caster can expend a single spell slot to give the sword a charge equal to the slot's level.

e.g. During a long rest a caster uses his highest-level spell slot of 3 to charge the sword, and a crit would then do an extra 3d6 damage.

[MintyNinja]

Percy helped hand Geoffrey over to the healers but made no move to take the greatsword. He could carry it, but it looked incredibly unwieldy and as ornate as it looked, perhaps one of the others could put it to better use.

[thedanster7000]

Geoffrey hands the still-gleaming weapon to Sal, "I am glad that a warrior of the faith should wield it. Remember to keep its power alive each morn and it will look after you when your aim is true."

Geoffrey is carried away by two clerics while another mutters an incantation.

Some other clerics come to you, "Go, get some sleep for the night, you both need and deserve it."

[Ricedaddy]

Sal says his thanks and salutes the Captain as he is carried off. He nods a thank you to the Clerics, "Should his son come visit him, will you please tell him that Sal Irongut is caring for his father's sword for him, and to come find me to take possession of it?"

Sal gives his unit's number and division to the Clerics to help track him when the time comes.

Turning to the others, he rests the greatsword's hilt on his shoulder, holding the scabbard, and says, "Shall we?"

[ludoge]

Posting from my phone, couldn't add color properly
"I couldn't agree more. Tomorrow might be a tough day, and I haven't slept on even ground in days. Let's go get some rest !"

[tbergman92]

"Sleep sounds like a good plan to me. "

[MintyNinja]

"Aye, lead the way," Percy said as the clerics took the captain away.

[thedanster7000]

You wake up in the barrack dorms; in a plain but somehow homey room.

The man from the wall arrives early in the morning and seeks you out, "Greetings, your captain is well, but will be unable to fight for a long time, unfortunately. Yesterday you displayed real bravery and leadership amongst yourselves. I understand you haven't seen much action yet, and given your performance and teamwork yesterday, I'd like to offer you a scouting mission. We'd like you to find the rest of the hobgoblins that are hiding after the battle and see to it that they're destroyed.
Are there any objections or anything you'll need soldiers?"

Long rest, just in case anyone forgot, replenish any ammo you lost as well.

[Ricedaddy]

Before tucking in for the night Sal spends time meditating over a book of faith given to him from his mentor, then prayer asking Odin to allow him to use the greatsword he has been entrusted with to the best of his abilities.

After a deep sleep, he awakes and begins his morning prayers. He finishes as the man walks in.

"I think I have all I need in my pack, but I'm not really the one who would know. My mates here would know better what we will need in terms of equipment. Do we have any leads as to where they may be hiding?"

[thedanster7000]

Before tucking in for the night Sal spends time meditating over a book of faith given to him from his mentor, then prayer asking Odin to allow him to use the greatsword he has been entrusted with to the best of his abilities.

After a deep sleep, he awakes and begins his morning prayers. He finishes as the man walks in.

"I think I have all I need in my pack, but I'm not really the one who would know. My mates here would know better what we will need in terms of equipment. Do we have any leads as to where they may be hiding?"

"Ruins to the East most likely, we blocked their retreat to the West. So you'll only need to traverse grasslands to reach them".

[MintyNinja]

Wiping sleep from his eyes as he stands up, Percy says, "A lantern would be quite helpful; and enough oil to keep it going as well. We don't know how many nights we'll be out there, but a pair of tents will keep the elements off of us. And are we taking prisoners? Because we'd need manacles for that." He looks to the others to see if they want to add anything.

[tbergman92]

"As always, I am prepared for the wilds, whatever they may consist of." Nick replenished the the bolts he had spent in the previous fight from the barracks stores, and checked his gear to make sure he still had all he needed for survival in the wilderness. "I should be able to forage for any food the four of us would need, unless the land has been completely stripped by the invaders."

[thedanster7000]

Three hooded lanterns, two tents, a pair of manacles, and a hunting trap.
"The ruins are about 60 miles East, just South of the Mage School. You may want to take a longer route to stop off at the village of Cromer, lovely place, great taverns. Will you be needing horses, or are you fine travelling on foot?"

Mages are a class in this world that will be open to you from now on. They're similar to the wizard except they can choose from any classes' spell list but can't use spells of a specific school(s). Will provide more detail if anyone is interested in multi-classing into it. (Or if anyone is concerned about their balance :smalltongue:)

[Ricedaddy]

"Aye, a mount would be magnificent. It's these stunty legs, see? We grew them to kick in orc heads, not to walk long ways." A deep gravelly chuckle follows these words.

[MintyNinja]

"I'm up for a horse as well," Percy adds. He keeps his own misgivings about riding an animal for the first time to himself; this was more important than his own comfort. He collects up a tent, lantern, and the manacles and packs them onto the sides of his bag.

[ludoge]

"Never ridden a horse myself, but I might just talk it into behaving well. Oh, and sign me up for the tav- the village, I meant to say."

[tbergman92]

"I've never been one for riding, myself. Unless you have fresh horses frequently, you cover about the same distance in a day. I'm willing to give it a shot, though, since the rest of you are."

[thedanster7000]

You're lead to a well-kept stables where he informs a large man of what you need.

"Ah, so three horses and a donkey for the dwarf? What're your names again?
'Ere, Percy, this is Gale, finest riding horse in the stables at the moment. Try to bring her back in one piece, okay? Heheh."

"So where do ye ride to?"

[Ricedaddy]

"I'd go for the, uh, village, too." Sal piped up with nod and a suppressed smile to Cedric.

[tbergman92]

"Cromer is fine by me, as well."

[ludoge]

"I'm going to have a word with the horses and make sure they mean well, if that doesn't bother you. It will take me a few minutes, if you don't mind ?"

If he isn't met with opposition, Cedric begins to recite a long, incomprehensible prayer in the general direction of the horses.

Casting Speak with Animals as a ritual.

[MintyNinja]

Percy was staring at Gale for a bit, trying to figure out how to make them go when sitting on their backs when the question of the village came up. "Yeah, Cromer. Sounds go-" but he cut himself off when Cedric started chanting. Not wanting to disturb the horses or the man chanting, he just stared, open eyed and kept his mouth shut.

[thedanster7000]

The horses are friendly and quite enthusiastic about going riding.

ludoge if you want to ask them anything specific, put it in spoilers at the end of later posts.

For future reference, if a spoiler has -these- around them, only open it if it applies to you.
After about 15 miles up a North-Eastern trail, you come to a huge and bustling inn. The Halfway House is comparable to a small mansion, with wooden watchtowers near the front of the large fence surrounding it. Despite this impressive defensive setup, the watchtower remains unmanned and the gate wide open, although there's a bored-looking armed guard leaning on the fence next to the gate.

He glances at you and points at a large stables inside the fence, "Ye can tie y'horses there if ye wish, free o' charge."

You see a group of men sporting impressive ornate robes stitched with magical symbols leave the stables and ride to the East.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal watches the robed men ride off as they disappear down the road.

"I wonder who those blokes were..."

[MintyNinja]

"It's just a wild guess, but I'd say they're from the mages college," Percy said. He was forcing the joke after a long ride and feeling saddle-sore, but humor could keep spirits afloat. "So, tavern... guessing it's time to find out what a soldier's worth at drinking."

[Ricedaddy]

"You'll find that a soldier is worth quite a lot my friend!"

[thedanster7000]

You tie your horses up and enter through a double door into a large warmly-lit tavern bustling with people crowded around tables with barmaids slipping through the rabble and around posts to deliver drinks.
The people there are mostly armed and armoured, some of unusual races and some with ornate or exotic equipment. One group of people that really stands out to you is a table of High Elves in robes and staffs decorated with dragons.
Card games and darts are being played to the west side of the tavern, where there are magically-created portraits with name labels, they're mostly humans and dwarves, but there's one half-orc portrait that catches your attention.

People are ordering food from women behind a large counter.

[Ricedaddy]

"What we have here, friends, is the perfect excuse to have a couple of pints and play some cards in the name of information gathering." With this the dwarf quickly orders an ale and makes his way to the card game along the west wall.

[ludoge]

"Sounds like a plan, but I'm not much of a gambler myself."

Cedric follows Sal, awkwardly smiling at a couple barmaids along the way, stopping to order some mead - "...but ale is fine as well", he stammers.

[thedanster7000]

To simulate your playing of cards, roll a d6 for every 5 coins you give up as a bet (whichever type you like), add your intelligence modifier and your proficiency bonus (if you're proficient in cards) and receive that many coins. If you roll a 1, you make no coins back off of that roll. Put these in spoilers on your posts.
You see the portraits along the left wall are winners of various games and the absurdly-named half-orc Donkey the Horse-Slayer is the winner of the house arm-wrestling competition.

Sal spots a group of friendly-looking dwarves playing a fairly competitive-looking game around a table.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal spots a chair open up at a table and plops down into it, the joints of the wood creaking under the impact weight of a dwarf in armor. He takes a big swig from his stein and slams it on the table.

"Name's Sal. What's the game? Elf in the Woods or Kobold in the Ruins?"

He watches closely to see if the person across the table flinches at the name of the second game. He then buys into a couple of hands and tries his luck.



I'd like to see if anyone flinches or shows recognition about the phrase "kobolds in the ruins" to see if we can find an information source with more detail than we already have. Let me know if I need to roll a perception check or the like.

I'm betting 10 gold coins in two hands of five, I have a +0 Int bonus but am proficient:
[roll0]
[roll1]

[MintyNinja]

Percy considers his own luck and lack of funds before deciding against gambling and instead orders a small meal from one of the women behind the counter. After paying for his meal, he takes it to a small table out of the way and keeps an eye on his compatriots and the room in general.

[thedanster7000]

You notice two cleric-looking types who were in a frantic discussion look up at you as you say it, before continuing.

You notice the elves in the dragon robes walking from group to group of tough-looking people, speaking to them before moving on to another.
A stout, overly-cheery barmaid delivers Sal's and Cedric's drinks, "There you are sirs," she announces, blushing slightly.

Drinks are 3 silver, meals 5.

[MintyNinja]

Percy gives one of the elves a friendly nod and continues with his meal.

If they approach, he greets them in elvish, "Evening. Lovely night, eh?"

[Ricedaddy]

Sal leans over and whispers to Cedric, "Those clerics look a bit jumpy at the mention of kobolds to you, too?"

He buys in another hand and he keeps a watch on the cleric types out of the corner of his eye.



5gp bet

[roll0]

[thedanster7000]

Elvish: "Quite. As you may have been able to tell, we're not from around here. We're a group of, well, for lack of a better phrase, dragon enthusiasts. There are certain legends of a dragon living in the mountains to the South, and we wish to investigate. However, due to the, well, dragon-like nature of the *cough* dragon. We seek an escort to keep the dragon at bay in case it responds, um, unsavourably to our presence. I saw you with your party before; you look well-armed and experienced, if you were potentially offered a reward, would you be interested? We are quite naturally struggling to find a team, so if you're busy we can wait at the town famous for the legends."
A burly dwarf slaps Sal on the back and exclaims in Dwarvish: "Well played my brother! *Hiccup*! I'll have no coin left at this rate! *Hahahahaha!*" He then proceeds to retch violently into an enormous ale mug that you initially mistook for a storage keg.

The clerics you're watching take out a large map onto the table and argue, pointing at different locations and correcting the other's pointing.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal laughs from his belly and the dwarf vomits.

"A mug of tea and honey will put you back in sorts, my friend. I'd catch up to ya but I must be about Odin's business." Approaching the bartender, Sal orders himself another pint and two more. Leaving the change as a tip he takes the mugs to the clerics and sets them on the table.

"Hello there! I couldn't help but notice you look like men of the cloth and, wouldn't you know it, Odin just seemed to find it fitting for me to come and give you his greetings! The name's Sal, the gods would rejoice in us sharing a good mug!"

[thedanster7000]

"Delightful," says the dwarf closest to Sal, and downs the whole thing in one go before wiping it from his beard and clearing his throat. "Thank you my friend, that was much needed. Now, what do you need? I hate to be unwelcoming, but we have some important work to do."

The other dwarf leans over the map to look more closely at part of it.

[ludoge]

Cedric takes a moment to finish his drink and mumbles:
"Oh, right, I'm going to take a look".

He walks up to the cleric types and addresses them:
"Hello, good sirs. Do you have a kobold problem ?"

[MintyNinja]

Elvish: "Quite. As you may have been able to tell, we're not from around here. We're a group of, well, for lack of a better phrase, dragon enthusiasts. There are certain legends of a dragon living in the mountains to the South, and we wish to investigate. However, due to the, well, dragon-like nature of the *cough* dragon. We seek an escort to keep the dragon at bay in case it responds, um, unsavourably to our presence. I saw you with your party before; you look well-armed and experienced, if you were potentially offered a reward, would you be interested? We are quite naturally struggling to find a team, so if you're busy we can wait at the town famous for the legends."


"Dragon enthusiasts, eh? Sounds like a unique calling. But then you outline the problem so simply, not all dragons are enthusiastic," Percy replies in elvish as the elves join his table. "While I can't speak for the rest of my group, I don't think I have a lot of time as of yet. Perhaps on our way back West we'll detour to the South to meet up with you. What was the name of this town you'll be staying at?"

[thedanster7000]

"No, but close enough. You know that siege two nights ago that ended in the goblin forces being almost decimated? Well it seems they weren't. They've been spotted in farms to the East, I've no clue how in the nine Hells they got there that fast, and it's assumed they were headed for an ancient assortment of ruins of shrines to their evil gods. We're trying to figure out exactly where that filth hath hidden themselves so we can send word to the Baron."
Elvish: "Drakewater. It's almost directly South of here actually. We'll be keeping our equipment at an Inn, so ask around if you don't run into us. Here, as a pre-payment as such."

He places a shining, beautiful amulet in Percy's hand; a ruby heart engraved with an intricate fire pattern hangs off a thin golden chain. Percy's hand feels pleasantly warm as he holds the amulet, and it's clearly magical.

"We hope to see you soon," he assures you as he and his companions bow before leaving.

[Ricedaddy]

"Then I think we're about similar missions," Sal says as he sits down, "My friends and I serve the army. We fought in the siege, matter of fact. We heard rumors of hobgoblins hiding in the ruins near here and were sent to check it out. This was our first stop to see what information we could turn up."

Sal looks at the map for a moment, but reading it upside down isn't easy, "Cedric, can you see if this map lists the ruins we were heading to?"

[MintyNinja]

Percy pockets the amulet almost immediately, giving a smile and a nod in thanks. "We'll be sure to check in, either to return your payment or to assist you on your expedition," he responds in elvish. He gives a deep nod of the head in response to their bow and goes back to eating as if nothing had happened.

[ludoge]

Cedric takes a good look at the map, trying to recognize locations he is familliar with, as well as the aforementioned ruins.

"Let's see..."

[thedanster7000]

Cedric selects a particular ruin with absolute certainty before Sal spots the actual place and corrects him. It's about 45 miles East of the Halfway House, just to the North of a large forest, and overlooked by mountains to its East.
"Ah, well, you scout out the ruins, I'd recommend resting at Cromer and then riding there; it'd be a long day's travel otherwise. We'll head to the capital and inform the Duke of the sightings, farewell friends."

[Ricedaddy]

Sal nods as the clerics depart. "Seems like the Hobs are there after all, Cedric."

[thedanster7000]

A large, muscular fellow bursts through a back door shouting "The games are starting soon! Come on back for some spectacular combat and victorious reward!" Warriors begin to collect their weapons get up, chuckling and slapping each other on the back as they make their way to the door.

"Best not tarry," the other priest tells Sal and Cedric before they leave.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal says to the rest of the group, "While that looks like fun, shall we be about it? Cedric and I found that the hobgoblins are in fact in the ruins we were heading towards."

[MintyNinja]

Percy finishes his meal as the others join his table. He looks up to the Dwarf as he says, "Sure. We've also been asked to help hunt down a dragon for some elves. On our way back, of course. Do you think they have an archery challenge back there?" He stands up, collects his things and follows the others into the back room.

[thedanster7000]

Through the back door, there's 3 groups of adventurer-looking types in different martial competitions. To the left is a large circle drawn in the ground and 5 unarmed combatants inside it. There are four humans all going for a wood elf in the centre who's ducking every blow, pushing them over with kicks, and dropping them with quick, straight punches. In the centre is a small arena where a heavily armoured dwarf with a shield and hammer is dueling a huge, topless man wielding a gigantic maul. To the right, there's an archery range which contains the largest gathering of wood elves you've seen in the tavern, and a couple of humans being painfully outdone by them.

[MintyNinja]

Without hesitation Percy strides up to the wood elves and in their own language says, "Mind if I take a shot? I'm also a fan of shooting better than men." His bow is in one hand, an arrow in the other, but he doesn't draw until he better understands the rules or conditions of the competition.

[thedanster7000]

"Yet you are a man, no? Anyway, today we're shooting for these," he gestures at a pair of bracers inscribed with arrows, "no magic allowed, and best shot wins," he points at a target down a range. There are 3 wood elves testing their bowstrings and stepping up to the range. "Care to test your aim?"

Roll a 20 for the shot.

[MintyNinja]

Percy smirks at the rules and joins the others lining up for a shot. With a little rocking on his back foot to remind him of the deck of a ship he lets fly an arrow at the target.

[roll0]
If we're adding Attack Modifiers, that's +7 for 21

[thedanster7000]

Two of the elves shoot and hit further away from the bullseye than Percy. The elf he was speaking two then takes a shot and hits right next to his. "A sudden death, it seems."

Roll again.

[MintyNinja]

"So it seems," Percy responds in elven as he draws another arrow. He rocks on his back foot, lining up the shot in a way unique to himself and lets loose.

[roll0]
With Modifiers (+7): 26

[thedanster7000]

The elf fires and smirks as his arrow connects incredibly accurately. Percy's arrow then sticks right next to the bullseye. Elvish: "Never have I seen that good an aim in your kind, here, these are yours." Percy's passed the bracers, which emanate magic; they're dark green with an elvish arrow inscribed into them.

[MintyNinja]

Percy bows politely as he accepts the bracers. "Perhaps there's more to man than meets the eye," he responds in elvish. Wishing the archers good luck he retires from the competition and returns to the other soldiers in his squad.

OOC: I don't mind waiting a while for you to get the others to do things. I'll intend to spend a short rest before bed figuring out the two magic items I've received here to try and identify them if that's fair.

[ludoge]

Cedric heads to the circle of unarmed fighters. He asks a bystander,
"So, what are the rules here ?"

[Ricedaddy]

Sal approaches a bystander standing near the dwarf and shirtless man. "So how do I get a piece of this action?"

[thedanster7000]

"Five of you enter the circle, then the last one in it wins."
Roll 20 and add your highest bonus out of unarmed attack modifiers or strength (in Cedric's case +1) to fight.
"Sorry mate, these fights are pre-arranged, you can't just jump in, I admire your enthusiasm though."

[ludoge]

Cedric dives in.
[roll0]

[thedanster7000]

As Cedric goes to shove someone, the elf places a foot on his back and pushes him down and out of the circle. "Unlucky; that was a cheap shot," says a druid as they help him up.

[thedanster7000]

It's beginning to get dark after you watch the contests for a while and people are being ushered outside. "C'mon, rent a room or it's time to go I'm afraid."

[Ricedaddy]

Sal motions the others over, "Shall we get a room or plug on?"

[MintyNinja]

Stifling a yawn, Percy says, "A room would be great. I've got a couple trinkets to look over as well. But I'm a bit short on coin for the time being. Can one of ya spot me the fee?"

Once inside a private room Percy will spend a short rest before the long rest to identify the necklace and attune to the Bracers of Archery.

[thedanster7000]

"Allow me," says the elf who came second in the archery, "'Twould be a pleasure to support your talent," he winks before paying for your rooms and bidding Percy farewell.

Everyone gain 200 EXP for your collective social and competitive success at the inn.
Does everyone wish to ride straight for the ruins and camp out for a night, or detour to Cromer?

[Ricedaddy]

"Aye, a room would be nice right now."

[MintyNinja]

Percy blushes as he bids the elf farewell also. He retires to his own room and while he's tired, he takes the time to get to understand the necklace that was offered to him earlier. He also gets accustomed to the new bracers before eventually falling asleep.
OOC: Attuned to Bracers of Archery and Identified Periapt of Wound Closure, as planned.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal drops his pack heavily on the floor and flops onto the bed, causing the wood to creak worryingly under the weight. He mutters angrily as he realizes that he's still wearing his armor, so he gets up and takes it off quickly before flopping back down and falling asleep. He rises early in the morning to begin his prayers to Odin.

[thedanster7000]

The sound of heavy rain pounds against the walls. The innkeeper greets you as you go downstairs, "Where are you fellas headed on such a miserable day as this?"

[MintyNinja]

Percy looks to the innkeeper as he listens to the rain outside, "Due East, I think. Maybe Cromer. We'll have to see what the road holds for us." As the rest of the group gather downstairs Percy leads them out into the rain towards the stables. He didn't want to tell the innkeeper too much, but it was also a choice that wasn't his to make entirely.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal nods and follows Percy out to the stables, not willing to provide the innkeeper any more information than necessary about their task.

[ludoge]

After completing his morning rituals, Cedric joins the rest of the group. He notices the rain.
"Ah, that's a fine day ahead of us ! But let's see if it shall improve, eh ?
With a snap of his finger, he conjures up what looks like a small raincloud in midair in front of him.
I cast Druidcraft, the weather-predicting effect. As I read it, the cloud will change giving a timelapse of sorts of the weather over the course of the day.

[thedanster7000]

Cedric's cloud continues to rain heavier and heavier, getting blacker and blacker. The very air around you seems to darken as it does so. Suddenly, a miniature lightning bolt streaks down and a swarm of ravens flap out of the darkness of the cloud before dissipating.

[MintyNinja]

As he watched the miniature weather worsen, Percy's own spirits sank as well. "How accurate is that spell?" he asked from horseback. "It looks like we're going to need shelter before we're done riding for the day."

[Ricedaddy]

"Hope my armor doesn't rust," Sal grunts as he looks at the forecasting spell.

[tbergman92]

Nick shrugged as the rain cloud worsened, "Rain is just water, nothing to worry about. That storm at the end may be enough to force us to shelter, though. Might as well get started now, if that's going to be the rest of our day."

[MintyNinja]

"Ask any sailor and he'll tell you the same," Percy says to Nick. "It doesn't take a lot of water to kill you." Once the group was farther along the road and Percy is sure there's no prying eyes or ears nearby, he pulls out the Periapt of Wound Closure and tells the others, "We've been offered a side job. Some elves want our help hunting down a dragon for them and they've offered this in down payment. I was telling Sal about it last night but then the games started. In either case we'll need to stop by Drakewater, to the south, on our way back. Either to return payment or earn it."

[thedanster7000]

Under the heavy blanket of the worsening downpour, you notice the road comes to a split; one North-Eastern way leading to Cromer and the other a faded path straight East to the ruins.

[ludoge]

"Shall we go straight for the ruins ? The nasties won't be in a good mood with this weather... And we might make it to Cromer by tonight."

[Ricedaddy]

"Duty first, I think. We have order to clean them out of the ruins. Afterwards, though, I think we go earn some side money."

[MintyNinja]

"It's dark and storming. Not all of us have the best nightvision, if we were to corner the greenskins in this weather they'd have that advantage. Let's rest up in Cromer and go at them in the daylight, where we're at least on even ground."

[Ricedaddy]

"Ah, very good point. I wouldn't be opposed to a fire and a chance to dry off my armor. It has some basic rust-proofing but there's no point risking it, not point at all."

[tbergman92]

Nick looks down both roads, and considers for a moment.

"I think it best that we stay near the ruins. I know many a new hunter who has lost his prey through the assumption that it would not change its habits while he rested. I understand not wishing to have a disadvantage against them, but I believe that heading for Cromer could be a mistake."

[MintyNinja]

Percy thinks it over as his horse shimmies side to side in the rain. Eventually he concedes to the more experienced man, "Alright. Let's get there quick enough to put up a small shelter or something. We know this storm's going to rile itself up soon. We don't have much time to waste."

[thedanster7000]

After a gruelling ride in the heavy rain and the night's darkness has covered the land, a dim light is visible through the downpour which outlines a few upturned stones of long-destroyed shrines. As you look more closely you see a half-collapsed watchtower still stands with a figure stood on top; its presence evidenced by the glow of a campfire which is protected by an overhanging stone that once served as a roof.

[Ricedaddy]

The silhouette given against the fire causes Sal to stop short and motions the others to stop close by.

"We're either going to have to give that tower a wide margin, or get close enough to tell friend or foe without giving ourselves away. What do you guys think?"

[ludoge]

"I could take the shape of a dog and scout ahead. They might drive me off, but who would suspect a friendly mutt ?"

[tbergman92]

"Knowledge is power. I'm for scouting, however we go about it."

[Ricedaddy]

"Cedric, go for it. We'll be ready to back you up if need be."

[ludoge]

"Alright, then. If I'm not back in an hour, go ahead..."

Cedric falls to his knees. His form shifts to that of a large sheepdog. He trots away towards the tower. He tries to act like a common stray, sniffing some trail that might lead to food...
Wild Shape : Mastiff. Does Cedric actually pick up some interesting scent, by the way ?

[thedanster7000]

Cedric patters along the grass until he can make out the figure as an armed hobgoblin that is keeping watch (rather poorly, apparently, as he fails to spot Cedric.) Cedric does pick up an interesting scent; something that's not quite beast, but not quite man, to his North.

The others look North when Cedric points his nose that way, and make out a lone wolf in the distance.

[ludoge]

Cedric barks loudly at the guard.

[thedanster7000]

The hobgoblin looks down at Cedric's position in surprise before some incomprehensable yells are exchanged between the guard and some others. After a minute or so, three spear-wielding hobgoblins leave the ruin and start advancing towards Cedric.

[ludoge]

Cedric trots off, trying to lead the nasties towards the rest of the group.

[thedanster7000]

The hobgoblins do just that, clumsily chasing after Cedric muttering curses as they trip in their armour.

Hobbos' initiative if you wish to attack: [roll0]
Edit: you'd get surprise round anyway.

[MintyNinja]

Percy was set up next to a tree for quick cover should he need it. As the first of the Hobgoblins broke cover, he fired an arrow towards it's open maw.

Initiative: [roll0]

Arrow: [roll1], If Advantage for Surprise Round [roll2]
Damage: [roll3] + Sneak Attack [roll4]
If Critical Hit: [roll5] + Sneak Attack [roll6]

[Ricedaddy]

Sal steps out from behind cover and moves to the nearest hobgoblin, taking a swing at the closest.



If a hobgoblin is in range for an attack this turn use the following;

[roll0] Damage: [roll1] and [roll2]

Note: the 2d6 damage die are rolled separate because the Great Weapon Fighting Style allows re-rolls of 1 on damage die with 2-handed weapons. Separating the die are the only way show if there's a 1 rolled without more math than needed.

[tbergman92]

Nick saw the hobgoblins following Cedric, and shot a few arrows towards the hobgoblin at the rear of the pack as he kept an eye on the wolf that Cedric had indicated. I wonder why he pointed out that wolf to us, he wondered silently.


Initiative: [roll0]

Action attack: [roll1], if advantage from surprise round, [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Bonus Action attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

[ludoge]

Cedric turns around and goes for the second hobgoblin's legs.

Bite: [roll0] to hit (second roll if advantage: [roll1]); [roll2] damage, and DC 11 Str save to avoid being knocked prone

[ludoge]

Dang, forgot to roll crit damage. Here goes : [roll0]

[thedanster7000]

Percy's arrow hits the unsuspecting hobgoblin, staggering him backwards before Sal runs out and cleaves off his arm. The hobgoblin behind him barely has time to be shocked before Nick's bolts go whizzing past, one hitting him, and Cedric tears into a tendon, bringing him to the floor. "Ahhh! Spare me!"

[Ricedaddy]

Sal steps up to the hobgoblin and brings the blade of his sword to the creature's neck, putting a slight enough pressure to see the blade push in the skin without drawing blood.

"Now shut up, you idiot of a thing. Now let's talk. How many of you are there and what are your defenses like?"



If the sword blade isn't enough persuasion, here's the roll: [roll0]

[thedanster7000]

"Twenty... Armed..." he glances back at the ruins, then Sal before spitting, "Foul dwarf..."

[MintyNinja]

Percy eases the tension in his bow as he tries to discern if the hobgobin's truthful or otherwise. "He could be lying... I'd lie in that position."

Insight: [roll0]

[thedanster7000]

His words seem truthful; his motive selfish.

[Ricedaddy]

"Alright, well we can't just let this runt go free. Let's bind and gag him against that tree and we'll come back for him later."

[MintyNinja]

Percy stows his weapons and takes a length of rope from his bag. He ties the Hobgoblin's hands together at the wrists and gags him. Once he's sure the creature won't be able to make much of a disturbance, he tosses the coil of rope over a high branch and hauls the captive up by his arms. He adjusts the height so that the Hobgoblin can ease the weight on his arms by standing on a branch, but won't ever be able to fall asleep. "That should hold him for day or so. If we don't come back, he'll likely die up there, though," he says to Sal. "We ready to go?"

[tbergman92]

Nick watched Percy's treatment of the prisoner. He nodded in satisfaction at his statement that the hobgoblin wouldn't last long if they didn't return. "Let's go--We should probably play it safe. Either sneak our way through as silently as possibly, or try to draw them out a few at a time."

[thedanster7000]

You sneak up to the ruins unseen and the only figure in sight is a hobgoblin in the watchtower. Through the darkness, Nick manages to spot stairs descending below the ground.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal motions for the others to follow before slowly and quietly taking the passage down.

[tbergman92]

Nick follows him, eyes tracking the lone guard for any sign that he noticed the group.

[MintyNinja]

Percy follows as well, ready to shoot down the lone guard should he raise any alarm.

[thedanster7000]

The guard does not notice the party tiptoeing down the stairs, too preoccupied with trying to spot the others that went out looking for what they theorised may have been a tracking hound.

The smooth stone walls are covered with destroyed, scratched, barely-recognisable Dwarven runes, assumedly Orcish. Light is visible further in, which seems odd. At the bottom of the stairs is a straight passageway leading to a closed battered door, and another short passageway leading off to the left into a dead end. Lying on the ground near the dead end is the torch producing the light, in the hand of a brutally mauled hobgoblin corpse. Fresh.

[MintyNinja]

Percy kneels down and examines the dead hobgoblin. "Did Cedric do this? Or something else? We might be the only ones hunting hobgoblins in here, let's keep sharp." Standing slowly, Percy looks around the dead end, specifically for hidden passages or alcoves that would explain it's purpose.

Perception...
[roll0]

...or Investigation?
[roll1]

[Ricedaddy]

Meanwhile Sal leans over the body for a closer look, trying to determine any clues for what killed it.



[roll0] - Medicine

[thedanster7000]

Sal sees deep but thin claw and bite marks. As Sal's examining the corpse, Percy's hand brushes over a rune, which begins to glow blue before the wall slides away, revealing a passageway that turns to the left after about 20 metres. Dried blood cakes the floor of the passageway.

[MintyNinja]

"Well, at least they won't expect us?" Percy offers as reasoning for taking the blood-caked passage.

[tbergman92]

"And this seems to be where the action is heading--I'd rather follow behind whoever is in here with us, rather than meet them head on. Just keep an eye out to make sure we don't walk into an ambush of some kind." Nick replied, rather impressed with Percy's discovery of the hidden passage.

[thedanster7000]

Percy sneaks up to the corner and peeks around, seeing three ghouls feasting on what looks like human flesh, and must be at least a week or so old. They don't spot him, and continue to squat awkwardly, ravenously tearing into flesh and spraying brutal collections of gore and bone over the ground, adding to its all-encompassing coating of dried blood.

The room itself looks like an old study, though long destroyed. A damaged bookcase stands on a wall, and a heavily-gnawed desk at another, the seat for a lit candle, piles of blood-soaked parchments, and a diminished deck of playing cards, seemingly intact.

[MintyNinja]

Percy sneaks back to the group and ushers them back a few steps. Once far enough away he says in a whisper, "Three undead monsters currently eating rotten meat. We could take them if we angle the surprise in our favor, but it might be a close one."

[Ricedaddy]

"I'm unlikely to pass up a chance to take out some undead. Thor would be pleased..." says Sal.

[tbergman92]

"I'd rather end the threat now as opposed to waiting for them to come to us later."

[MintyNinja]

"Alright, I'll lead and try to get the first shot off. Be ready to take the charge, Sal," Percy says as he readies himself to creep down the secret passage again. Once he has line of sight on the ghouls he'll take a breath, rock back and fire an arrow at the one closest.

Hopefully this counts as a Surprise attack. Here's the attack with advantage and the damages set out for normal and crits.
Attack: [roll0] or [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] + Sneak Attack: [roll3]
If Crit: [roll4] + [roll5]

[thedanster7000]

Percy's bracers allow him to pull the string that bit further before he releases and his arrow strikes home, sticking through a ghoul's shoulder. It cries out in surprise, and it and the others drop whatever they're eating and look around frantically for their sudden attacker.

Surprise round, and the ghouls lost initiative, everyone take two turns except MintyNinja, who's already taken one.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal charges on the heels of Percy's arrow, aiming an aggressive slash from the greatsword at the ghoul hit by the arrow. He follows that up with a second attack, hoping to deliver a second attack before the ghouls react.



Sorry for the slow response, guys.

I want to advance to the wounded ghoul and attack. Twice if I can do so in the two free rounds. I'll roll both attacks separate.

Attack 1: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] +[roll2]
Note: reroll damage die results of 1 (Great Weapon Fighting Style)

Attack 2: [roll3] Damage: [roll4] +[roll5]
Note: reroll damage die results of 1 (Great Weapon Fighting Style)

[tbergman92]

Nick quickly fired off a volley of bolts towards the ghouls, hoping to incapacitate at least one of them before they had the chance to react.


Action Attack 1: [roll0] for Damage: [roll1] if crit: [roll2]
Bonus Action Attack 1: [roll3] for Damage: [roll4] if crit: [roll5]

Action Attack 2: [roll6] for Damage: [roll7] if crit: [roll8]
Bonus Action Attack 2: [roll9] for Damage: [roll10] if crit: [roll11]

[MintyNinja]

As the barrage comes into full firing frenzy, Percy aims his second arrow at the creature next to Sal and lets loose.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] and Sneak Attack for adjacent ally: [roll2]
If Crit: [roll3] + [roll4]

[thedanster7000]

One of the ghouls is dropped in the flurry of attacks, another heavily wounded. They screech horrifically, crawl up a wall, and disappear through a small hole. After a few seconds, the cards on the desk start to shuffle themselves, casting long shadows as they move in the candlelight.

600 EXP

[Ricedaddy]

Sal watches as the ghouls skitter away through the hole, then checks that the downed ghoul is dead. Noticing the cards, he approaches to investigate.



Please use the most applicable check to investigate the cards:

[roll0] - Perception
[roll1] - Insight
[roll2] - Religion

*edit: miscalculated bonus on the Perception and Insight check. Please add another +2 to those two checks.

[thedanster7000]

The ghoul appears very dead. When Sal nears the desk, the cards on it stop shuffling and settle.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal carefully picks up the cards looks them over.

[MintyNinja]

"What do you got there?" Percy asks as he scans the room for other objects or passage ways.


Was that 600 XP Each? Or split 3 ways?
Can I get an answer on that?

[Ricedaddy]

"A deck of cards that was shuffling itself. But I can't see any signs of arcane or divine manipulation. What do you think?" Sal says as he shows the cards in his hand.

[MintyNinja]

"I'm not sure. Might have something to do with them," Percy says as gives a ghoul a light kick. "Pack it up? See if it continues shuffling somewhere else. If so, then it's magical, if not, then it's this place. We've got hobgoblins to hunt."

[tbergman92]

"I agree. Let's investigate the cards later, and hunt now." Nick's eyes held a somewhat predatory gleam, as he continued to observe their surroundings for any signs of activity--whether the return of the ghouls, or the hobgoblins coming to investigate.

Perception Check: [roll0]

[thedanster7000]

Nick sees no sign of anything moving towards the group. Sal investigates the cards, there are 20, and sees they all have some sort of creature or monster on. One of the cards has Sal's visage upon it, standing at arms, in a fighting stance.

That EXP is split between you, sorry for the confusion.

[MintyNinja]

Percy heads further down the tunnel, looking for any tracks, stairs, or signs of where the ghouls came from or how to get to the hobgoblins.

Perception: [roll0]

[Ricedaddy]

Sal follows Percy down the passageway when something clicks in his mind.

Wait, did one of those cards have my image on it?!

[tbergman92]

Nick follows Percy and Sal out of the room, remaining alert for any enemies that might try to sneak up behind them.

[thedanster7000]

Percy can't find any passageway aside from the door at the bottom of the stairs. He notices the occasional bump or echoing snort coming from further in the cave.

[MintyNinja]

"Alright, it looks like we'll have to backtrack to that door, out in the main passageway," Percy whispers to the others. He leads the way tries to open the door with one hand while the other holds his bow aloft.

[thedanster7000]

Percy pushes the door and it swings open on rusty hinges, there is a short corridor leading to another staircase. The party can see a light is coming from the bottom of the staircase, even while stood at the door. The walls' carvings are more intricate here and less destroyed. They look religious at a glance.

"Greetings," comes a gruff voice in common from down the stairs. The party cannot see down them from the door.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal stops in his track at the sound of the voice. Slowly he take the lead down the stairs, gripping his sword in hand.

[thedanster7000]

As Sal first steps over the top of the stairs, he sees a T-junction, a small, candle-covered altar, and a crimson-robed figure sitting in a chair, facing in the opposite direction. "Hello dwarf," says the figure, without turning, "What is your purpose here?"

[Ricedaddy]

"Oh, I don't think I'm going to answer that question right now. We just met after all. How about names first? Mine's Sal."

[thedanster7000]

"I am the gatekeeper. I guard the artifact within this place and greet those who wish to bask in the spirit of its wielder. Now, I ask again, what is your purpose here?"

[Ricedaddy]

"My friends and I were looking for some hob-goblin 'friends' of ours we were supposed to be meeting and found ourselves here. What's kind of artifact would be housed in a cave like this?"

[thedanster7000]

"Are you not aware? Perhaps you should not be here. What dwells within here is the weapon of a mighty demon who will reclaim his power, and we shall guard his possessions until he... I hear others besides you. Now I ask you, as my final precaution, who is it you serve?"

Attempt a religion check to see if Sal can identify/guess the being they speak of.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal wracks his brain for any tales of divine and demon that match the stranger's words.



[roll0]



"I serve the Allfather, Odin, the One-eyed. I cannot deny him. My friends adhere to different ways." Sal says as he looks behind him to make sure the rest of the group is there.

[thedanster7000]

Sal guesses the artifact being referred to is the Wand of Orcus; a powerful mace wielded by the demon lord before his fall. He is a cruel and violent creature, and his followers' behaviour generally reinforces this.

"Then you must leave. Now," the figure says, standing, but still not turning.

[Ricedaddy]

Sal looks to the others for signs if they should fall back or push the point, leading likely to battle.

[tbergman92]

Nick shrugs in response to Sal's look, gesturing backwards followed by a back and forth wobble of his hand.

[thedanster7000]

The party notices some approaching figures from behind. A Wood Elf wielding a quarterstaff and a Half-Elf carrying a longbow and rapier, bearing a symbol of military rank. They exchange some quiet words with Percy and Cedric, who nod a short farewell and leave, heading back for the city on the newcomers' horses.

[DeltaK]

After quietly telling the rear two soldiers that they have been recalled, Arten walks up to the remaining two, using his quarterstaff like a walking stick.

"Greetings men, I'm Artan and I've been assigned to assist you in your...mission..." He trails off as he finally notices that standstill ahead of him, with Nick and Sal cautiously eyeing a robed figure directly ahead. He grips his staff a little more tightly as he waits to figure out what he just walked into.

[Irish Musician]

Major Hadrin Underleaf (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=989495), Guerrilla Commander
Hardin knew that this mission was going to be trouble the moment he agreed to it. But, the money was good so how could he say no? He lost some bets on his bone dice to that damned Tiefling and now needed money. He wasn't going to starve, but he lost more than he would like. So, after being summoned by some damned Captain and offered coin, Hardin begrudgingly accepted. Now he was on some fool's errand with this elven monk, and the appear to have walked in on what looked like a human who could handle himself....probably a fighter of some nature....and a dwarf who serves Odin, if he had heard correctly.

Then there was this hooded figure, cloaked in darkness and mystery. Hardin nodds to his new comrades, "You can call me Hardin. Ex-military and merc for hire. Who's the joker in the robe?" He then pulls out an arrow and nocks it in his bow that he has taken out while introducing himself.

[thedanster7000]

The figure slowly turns around, their features concealed by their hood. They begin walking towards the party, muttering under their breath. The robes cast long shadows in the light.

[DeltaK]

Seeing the figure approach, Artan shifts into a fighting stance, shifting the weight of his staff, and prepares to dash in if the intent proves hostile.

[Irish Musician]

Major Hadrin Underleaf (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=989495), Guerrilla Commander
Hardin has been in enough fights to know when a mage starts casting a spell. "Stop casting your little spell, or I will put me an arrow right in between your eyes. I don't are what spell it is. Shut up, or I will shut you up." He draws his arrow back and waits for the man to cast a spell.

Ready an action. If the dude casts a spell, shoot him [roll0], [roll1]. If I hit, the next person to make an attack on him gets advantage

If we roll initiative: Those that go before him in initiative order, first round, will get a +2 to damage against him, and he (and any other creatures) will get disadvantage on any opportunity attacks against me and my allies until the end of my next turn.

And if we need it, Initiative Roll: [roll2]

[tbergman92]

Nick never took his eyes from the robed figure as the two newcomers approached and initiated with the figure. Loading and raising his crossbow, he sighed, "I guess we are doing this, then." and prepared himself to fight if the situation continued to escalate.


Nick isn't going to ready an action, but here's initiative, in case it's needed. [roll0] or [roll1] (Advantage from ranger).

[thedanster7000]

A blue, magical force surrounds the figure as they cast Mage Armour, glistening brightly. The figure looks up sharply, causing their hood to fall back, revealing her as an Orc with heavy facial tattooing, assumedly religious.

Combat has started, post actions.

[DeltaK]

Artan glances around, sees his compatriots prepping for battle and the figure casting a spell. He thinks to himself: better stop him before he casts anything else.

Artan charges right at the newly revealed orcish figure, staff twirling in the air to distract the eyes. As soon as he gets close enough, he swings the staff right at the orc's head, followed with a kick to the knee.


Staff Attack: [roll0], Damage: [roll1]
Bonus Unarmed Attack: [roll2], Damage: [roll3]

[tbergman92]

"Let's go." Nick snapped off two shots at the tattooed orc, carefully keeping his distance from the figure as he considered his options. He kept his eyes on the newcomers to observe their fighting styles and attempt to understand how they would fit in with his and Sal's methods of combat.

Action: Attack: [roll0], dmg: [roll1], if crit: [roll2]
Bonus Action: Attack: [roll3], dmg: [roll4], if crit: [roll5]

[Ricedaddy]

Sal growls at the orc and brings his greatsword down in a heavy blow.



Back and posting again. Thanks for your patience, guys. Welcome to the new players.

Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

[thedanster7000]

Hadrin's arrow is pushed just aside by the Orc's ward, but she isn't put off, apparently trusting in her magical abilities. Artan's weighty staff blow was a tad more unsettling to her however, as well as the second bolt fired by Nick, which hits her square in the face, which starts bleeding profusely. The follow-up blow from Sal adds injury to injury, and she snarls, realising the party's strength. Close to death after the series of serious blows, she turns invisible and attempts to run away, prompting quick swings from Sal and Artan, both of which miss. Her pattering can be heard as she flees.

All appropriate Perception and AOO rolls were made by me for Sal and Artan, just so you're aware.

[DeltaK]

Artan turns to the two other soldiers who were already here and asks, "What was that all about?"

[Ricedaddy]

"We were here on our mission trying to find a way into the gobbo's stronghold when we bumped into her. She worships Orcus, there's an artifact here from what I could gather. Apparently we put a wrong foot forward. None the matter, Odin will be happy we roughed up an orc. May be best to pursue her so she doesn't rouse an alarm behind us as we go towards our objective. I'm Sal, by the way. Not that I'm glad you aren't here, but why are you here?"

[tbergman92]

"I agree with you on the pursuit idea, Sal--We should probably talk on the move so she doesn't get too far ahead." Nick turned to the newcomers, echoing Sal, "I'm Nick, former wilderness guide. My thanks as well for the backup--what did get you all sent out here to replace Percy and Cedric?"

[DeltaK]

"Chase her down? Got it!" Artan cried, as he dashed forward towards the fading footstep, both his elvish blood and monk training allowed him to push himself faster.

"I don't know why I'm here! I just joined up and was given my first assignment: to have Percy and Cedric come home for a different task, and aid you in your task. It wasn't clearly explained!" Artan called out as he ran, his voice slowing fading with distance.

Once he reached the point he assumed the orc disappeared, he begun wildly flailing his staff around, in the hopes he would hit something.

[Ricedaddy]

"Just like this unit to have such thorough preparation," Sal says with a smirk. He falls in behind the monk, sword at the ready.

[thedanster7000]

The party reach a large stone door with a terrifying visage of Orcus carved into it. There are some Orcish runes underneath his head that roughly read, "O cleric of mine, return my greeting!"

Another passageway leads off to the left, no light visible down it.

[tbergman92]

"Can anyone read that writing?" Nick nods towards the door, and then looks at the ground for any sign of the Orc's passage either to the door or down the unlit hallway.

Tracking Check: [roll0] or [roll1] (Advantage from Favored Enemy).

[Irish Musician]

Major Hadrin Underleaf (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=989495), Guerrilla Commander
Hadrin doesn't put away his bow, but does keep an eye out for this orc-lady. "I am Hardin Underleaf.....former Major of a Guerrilla force. And what got me here? In short.....gold. I get paid to do tasks....this is my next one, helping you all out. Like the monk said, nothing was explained too clearly. But then again I don't expect the military to explain much. But their gold is as real as any, I guess." Hardin looks at the writing, "No idea what it says. Never did bother to learn orc.....just killed 'em."

Perception just to see if he can tell where the lady went [roll0]

[Ricedaddy]

"No, I can't read that writing either. But I can poke and prod with willful ignorance for the risk of possible traps" Sal says before testing the door and surrounding wall for hidden coves or levers.

[DeltaK]

"We didn't see hear this door open or close, right? She must have gone that way!" Artan points to the left. "Everyone second we stare at the door she gets further away!"

"We are still chasing her, right? Was that our mission?"

[thedanster7000]

Nick's inspection shows that the stone around the door seems damaged, as if it had recently been used, Hadrin sees no trace of the Orc down the left passageway, and Sal's testing of the door seems fruitless.

My bad, guys, assumed someone could speak Orcish, assume it's carved in Dwarven as well.

[tbergman92]

"Hmmmm. It looks like she went through the door. I'm not sure what Orcus's greeting would be, though. Any thoughts?" Nick mused over the issue for a moment before continuing, "Our mission was to clear the ruins of hobgoblins, but I don't like the idea of leaving a known enemy behind us."

[Ricedaddy]

Sal kicks the door and says to it, "Open up, ya scrawny git!"

He looks to the others and shrugs, "Worth a shot right? Give me a moment to think, I might have studied something about this back in my temple days when I was a lad."



[roll0]

[thedanster7000]

Sal can't out his finger on what it means, but gets the idea that Orcus' status as a power-granting deity will provide a metaphorical solution.

[thedanster7000]

Noises can be heard from the corridor to the left.

[DeltaK]

Artan turns towards the corridor, fists raised. "I told you we should have continued to chase!"

[thedanster7000]

Turning a corner down the passageway, Artan walks into a huge cavern, carved out into a sphere. The room has a 40 foot radius and, for all intents and purposes, should not be there, given how deep underground you are.

Artan sees that he walked through a heavily ornate metal archway carved with spikes and hideous faces. A similarly decorated bridge protrudes from where he's standing out to a centre platform, where three more bridges give passage to three more archways, all equally spaced around the outside of the cavern. Below is a collection of terrifying-looking spikes with many corpses impaled upon them, their blood drained to form a collective pool at the bottom.

Six hobgoblins are on the centre platform and are disproportionately shocked by Artan's appearance, and they begin to flee across the opposite bridge.

[DeltaK]

Artan sees the hobgoblins, and immediately stops. He looks back and doesn't see any of his compatriots following, so he returns down the passage to bring word of his discovery.