Gwin stops short behind Patrin, quietly sliding down off of Chips in solemn respect to the dead (and not wishing to alert any enemies in the vicinity). As Fargoth hands the reins of his horse to the warlock, Gwin lays a hand on his arm and casts Guidance.
"Hmmm," Brevig grunts as his gaze moves from the trees to the cleft in the hillside. "Beasts do not fashion warnings from their prey, decorating their entryways with their trophies. A thinking being did this." He glowers and his voice lowers threateningly,"And it reeks of evil. After this night, their territory...will be the sludge under the River Styx."
The paladin shifts his shield from his back to his arm, and, kissing his morning star on the haft, where a gem is inscribed with a rune of Amaunator, Brevig signals quietly that he is ready, and makes to move toward the opening. If no one stops him, he walks to the center, then turns to face it squarely. What lies within?
Perception: 14
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DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver// Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever//Dev Horndin Curious Critters//Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Survival check for Fargoth: 14
Donir’s presence becomes much more solid, so to speak, while Patrin’s becomes a bit less so. Carrying a divine blessing from Gwin,Fargoth evaluates the items hanging from the tree and then the mess of footprints on the ground.
The articles of clothing, shield, and sword reveal little; it seems they could very well belong to a recent group of unfortunate and overmatched heroes. Upon closer inspection, the bones may not all be from humanoids. One of them--probably a leg bone--seems a bit too bulky.
The footprints, of which there are many, are a bit confusing. Certain prints from a right foot are three or four inches shorter than similar prints from a left foot. Yet, oddly enough, there are some right footprints that are the same size as the matching left prints. It seems possible that these prints are from two different creatures. Whatever the case may be, all of these mismatched prints indicate the giant-sized creature (or creatures) was (or were) barefooted. If that isn’t bewildering enough, Fargoth also notices multiple extremely large boot prints.
As Brevig stares into the darkness (for the moonlight is obscured by some rocky outcroppings high above), his eyes can provide him nothing more than information about the immediate terrain: steep, rocky walls on the left and right. Some tree roots protrude here and there; so too do a few shrubs. How far into the hillside does this cleft go? From his current vantage point the paladin cannot tell.
Nor can Patrin, with his yet greater range of darkvision. He estimates the cleft (which is very much like a narrow, steep-walled canyon about 20’ wide) extends into the hillside 70’ before turning left.
(NOTE: With Gwin's Guidance, Fargoth's survival check is increased by 3. I forgot to add that in).
Fargoth straightens up and notices Brevig at the entrance to the cave, a bit too ready for action, in his opinion.
”Are you sure you just want to charge in there, friend?” The wood elf proceeds to explain his findings to the group, making sure to highlight the confusing nature of the tracks.
He nods his head in the direction of the limbs and flesh strewn across the trees. “I’d wager these people were of a similar notion.”
“I’m not sure the tracks you describe indicate such a thing, friend,” answers Brevig quietly. He continues to keep an eye on the long corridor and his ears open for movement in any direction. “Perhaps they were taken by surprise while bent over examining the ground. Or have you been able to rule that out?” The Watcher’s tone is even, his gaze vigilant.
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DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver// Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever//Dev Horndin Curious Critters//Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
'I would suggest that our, hmm, former poacher takes the lead, looking for any traps and suchlike, while the rest of us follow close enough to support in case he encounters opposition. We can all see in the dark, so we can approach with a modicum of stealth. I'll bring up the rear as I expect the range of my vision probably exceeds most of you, and I'm not much use in a standup fight...' he grins at the last statement.
'The path ahead extends perhaps 70feet, before turning left, so we may wish to be cautious until we can scout out the way.'
Fargoth delays replying as he formulates a response, not looking at the others as he assesses the scene.
”I merely stated that the tracks were confusing, and recommended you don’t run off to your death while our foe remains unidentified. The only boot prints are too large to be those of a normal person. I can see no tracks belonging to these unfortunate people. I propose that they were killed inside, and the equipment and corpses placed here as a warning.”
The elf nods along as Patrin discusses strategy. “Stand by the entrance. I shall enter alone, and indicate when it is safe.”
He takes his turn to brandish a cloak, pulling the hood of his garment up over his head. Immediately, the colour of the cloak shifts to match the elf’s surroundings, and he slinks into the cave, bow and arrow at the ready.
With ghostly silence, the wood elf moves deeper into the the hillside, quickly reaching the point at which the path bends to the left. Pausing momentarily at that point, he studies the ground ahead of him to make sure there are no leaves or sticks that might announce his approach. Before continuing, the sound of a voice--deep and guttural--reaches Fargoth's ears. He recognizes the Giant language but cannot interpret it. A second voice, speaking in a hiss-like whisper then responds to the first.
The source of the two voices cannot be seen from the current vantage point. The path ahead now curves to the right a bit, obscuring the speakers.
Fargoth silently motions for the others to stay put for now, and ventures further in, out of sight, trying to move the minimum distance required to catch a glimpse of the cave’s residents.
Brevig, having stood in place at the mouth of the corridor, nearly motionless, while the ranger examined the tracks and spoke, is grateful for the ranger’s invaluable precautions. Brevig — possessing blindsight — locks eyes with Fargoth despite his cloak as he passes him, nods respectfully, and, still motionless and alert, peering down the corridor after him, awaits the ranger’s signal with the others.
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver// Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever//Dev Horndin Curious Critters//Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Gwin silently moves up behind Brevig and peeks around the paladin, peering into the cave with her dark vision, soundlessly praying, and trying to detect any movement.
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‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Patrin steps carefully to the entrance to the canyon, to where he blends into the shadows, his gold scales losing their lustre and fading until, suddenly, he can no longer be seen. He waits there until he has a better idea of what Fargoth has discovered...
Brevig locks eyes with Patrin then turns his attention back down the long corridor. His voice low in his gut, he whispers, “‘Tis dark. ‘Tis...silent.”
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DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver// Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever//Dev Horndin Curious Critters//Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Fargoth moves further into the hillside cleft, stopping at the end of a peninsula of rock. He peers carefully into a large open space where he sees a troll and some sort of hideous, giant hag-like creature. Both are sitting on a massive log; the troll is sucking on a large broken bone, seemingly in an attempt to remove the marrow from it. The hag is focused on something very tiny in the palm of her left hand. With her right hand, she seems to be using her eerily long nails to carve or shape whatever object it is in her other hand. Absorbed in what they are doing, they are wholly unaware of Fargoth. No other creature, especially a small child, can be seen in this area, which is littered with refuse, bones, branches, rocks, and other unidentifiable rubble. A few more words are exchanged in Giant between the two as they focus on their current tasks.
Meanwhile, near the entrance the other party members watch and wait for what may occur next. To their surprise, what occurs next is the noise of some creature splashing in the river. The source of the noise is a bit too distant for Brevig, Gwin, and Donir. Patrin, however, can see a troll---a two-headed one at that--crossing the river and gripping three or four fish in each hand. The troll does not see the party members, for it is focused on something far more intriguing: the presence of four horses and an elk.
(Monsters act first, but only the two-headed troll will do so (dash 60'); the other troll and hag are unaware of the party's presence. All players may act in any order, but keep in mind that Fargoth is unaware of troll in the river, and, conversely, those at the entrance are unware of what Fargoth sees. Brevig and Donirhave been assigned a color, as reflected on the map. Round 1 has begun!)
At the sound of splashing, Brevig casually exchanges glances with those around him, the golden flecks in his eyes give off a subtle radiance, and Donir, Gwin, and Patrin feel a burgeoning glow in their sense of purpose. Barely whispering, Brevig reads a short prayer from a small bit of parchment adhered to the inner edge of his shield, which shimmers and disintegrates, except for the prayer runes, which grow and swirl closely around him. The paladin messages to Ashento to be on guard. He otherwise remains completely still, shield and morning star noiselessly ready, allowing the troll to close so that the party will not be too far from Fargoth.
Action: Channel Divinity: Watcher’s Will. As an action, you can choose up to 3 creatures you can see within 30 ft of you. For 1 minute, you and the chosen creatures have advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws.
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver// Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever//Dev Horndin Curious Critters//Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
As the troll grows near, Donir pulls three bracelets from his bag. He tosses one to Brevig, one to Fargoth, and one to Gwynn, and mimes clasping one around his wrist. Anyone who does so instantly feels themselves slightly bolstered, as the runes carved into them glow slightly. Next, he pulls out what looks to be some sort of ornate mechanical snake, which also possesses a set of steel-feathered wings. He flips a switch on it, and its crystal eyes light up. It floats up to the ceiling of the cave and opens its mouth, though nothing else happens. It seems to be waiting for something.
(Casting Aid, and commanding homunculus to hold action to attack the troll if we engage it.)
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"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hearing a commotion on the river, Patrin moves to bring it in his line of sight (N12). ‘Two headed troll on the river, heading this way fast!’ warns Patrin, before pointing at the troll, and muttering a few short, sharp words of power. Suddenly two crackling bolts of gold and silver coruscating energy leap out towards the troll.
Fargoth notes the presence of the hag and the troll, and lack of any indicators pointing to a child being with them. He backs up slowly, and starts making his way towards the entrance to inform the others...
Moving 45ft towards the exit. Would I be able to see the troll?
I fear if there's anything in the cave with Fargoth they will now be alerted to our presence. If I can get close enough I'm going to try and buy us some time with the river troll and castBanishmentonit. And with that the little cleric gathers her cloak about her and dashes past Patrin toward the river (M8).
Fargoth eases his way toward the others, making certain he leaves the troll and hag to continue their pursuits undisturbed. As he approaches the other party members, he senses that some other complication has arisen outside the cave. Whatever that complication is, he cannot see it.
Brevig and Donirready themselves as Gwin and Patrin make engagement with the troll now unavoidable. Patrin's first blast catches the troll squarely in the chest, but the second sizzles and crackles as it strikes the surface of the river to the left of the troll. The troll, not loosening its grip on its bounty of fish continues its mad rush toward the horses and party members.
Round 1 has ended. Round 2 actions for monsters are as follows: in the cave, the troll and hag take no action (they remain unaware). Two-headed troll dashes 60'. All players may now act in any order.
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Gwin stops short behind Patrin, quietly sliding down off of Chips in solemn respect to the dead (and not wishing to alert any enemies in the vicinity). As Fargoth hands the reins of his horse to the warlock, Gwin lays a hand on his arm and casts Guidance.
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
"Hmmm," Brevig grunts as his gaze moves from the trees to the cleft in the hillside. "Beasts do not fashion warnings from their prey, decorating their entryways with their trophies. A thinking being did this." He glowers and his voice lowers threateningly, "And it reeks of evil. After this night, their territory...will be the sludge under the River Styx."
The paladin shifts his shield from his back to his arm, and, kissing his morning star on the haft, where a gem is inscribed with a rune of Amaunator, Brevig signals quietly that he is ready, and makes to move toward the opening. If no one stops him, he walks to the center, then turns to face it squarely. What lies within?
Perception: 14
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver // Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Survival check for Fargoth: 14
Donir’s presence becomes much more solid, so to speak, while Patrin’s becomes a bit less so. Carrying a divine blessing from Gwin, Fargoth evaluates the items hanging from the tree and then the mess of footprints on the ground.
The articles of clothing, shield, and sword reveal little; it seems they could very well belong to a recent group of unfortunate and overmatched heroes. Upon closer inspection, the bones may not all be from humanoids. One of them--probably a leg bone--seems a bit too bulky.
The footprints, of which there are many, are a bit confusing. Certain prints from a right foot are three or four inches shorter than similar prints from a left foot. Yet, oddly enough, there are some right footprints that are the same size as the matching left prints. It seems possible that these prints are from two different creatures. Whatever the case may be, all of these mismatched prints indicate the giant-sized creature (or creatures) was (or were) barefooted. If that isn’t bewildering enough, Fargoth also notices multiple extremely large boot prints.
As Brevig stares into the darkness (for the moonlight is obscured by some rocky outcroppings high above), his eyes can provide him nothing more than information about the immediate terrain: steep, rocky walls on the left and right. Some tree roots protrude here and there; so too do a few shrubs. How far into the hillside does this cleft go? From his current vantage point the paladin cannot tell.
Nor can Patrin, with his yet greater range of darkvision. He estimates the cleft (which is very much like a narrow, steep-walled canyon about 20’ wide) extends into the hillside 70’ before turning left.
(NOTE: With Gwin's Guidance, Fargoth's survival check is increased by 3. I forgot to add that in).
Fargoth straightens up and notices Brevig at the entrance to the cave, a bit too ready for action, in his opinion.
”Are you sure you just want to charge in there, friend?” The wood elf proceeds to explain his findings to the group, making sure to highlight the confusing nature of the tracks.
He nods his head in the direction of the limbs and flesh strewn across the trees. “I’d wager these people were of a similar notion.”
“I’m not sure the tracks you describe indicate such a thing, friend,” answers Brevig quietly. He continues to keep an eye on the long corridor and his ears open for movement in any direction. “Perhaps they were taken by surprise while bent over examining the ground. Or have you been able to rule that out?” The Watcher’s tone is even, his gaze vigilant.
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver // Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
'I would suggest that our, hmm, former poacher takes the lead, looking for any traps and suchlike, while the rest of us follow close enough to support in case he encounters opposition. We can all see in the dark, so we can approach with a modicum of stealth. I'll bring up the rear as I expect the range of my vision probably exceeds most of you, and I'm not much use in a standup fight...' he grins at the last statement.
'The path ahead extends perhaps 70feet, before turning left, so we may wish to be cautious until we can scout out the way.'
Fargoth delays replying as he formulates a response, not looking at the others as he assesses the scene.
”I merely stated that the tracks were confusing, and recommended you don’t run off to your death while our foe remains unidentified. The only boot prints are too large to be those of a normal person. I can see no tracks belonging to these unfortunate people. I propose that they were killed inside, and the equipment and corpses placed here as a warning.”
The elf nods along as Patrin discusses strategy. “Stand by the entrance. I shall enter alone, and indicate when it is safe.”
He takes his turn to brandish a cloak, pulling the hood of his garment up over his head. Immediately, the colour of the cloak shifts to match the elf’s surroundings, and he slinks into the cave, bow and arrow at the ready.
Stealth check for Fargoth: 30
With ghostly silence, the wood elf moves deeper into the the hillside, quickly reaching the point at which the path bends to the left. Pausing momentarily at that point, he studies the ground ahead of him to make sure there are no leaves or sticks that might announce his approach. Before continuing, the sound of a voice--deep and guttural--reaches Fargoth's ears. He recognizes the Giant language but cannot interpret it. A second voice, speaking in a hiss-like whisper then responds to the first.
The source of the two voices cannot be seen from the current vantage point. The path ahead now curves to the right a bit, obscuring the speakers.
Fargoth silently motions for the others to stay put for now, and ventures further in, out of sight, trying to move the minimum distance required to catch a glimpse of the cave’s residents.
Brevig, having stood in place at the mouth of the corridor, nearly motionless, while the ranger examined the tracks and spoke, is grateful for the ranger’s invaluable precautions. Brevig — possessing blindsight — locks eyes with Fargoth despite his cloak as he passes him, nods respectfully, and, still motionless and alert, peering down the corridor after him, awaits the ranger’s signal with the others.
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver // Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Gwin silently moves up behind Brevig and peeks around the paladin, peering into the cave with her dark vision, soundlessly praying, and trying to detect any movement.
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Patrin steps carefully to the entrance to the canyon, to where he blends into the shadows, his gold scales losing their lustre and fading until, suddenly, he can no longer be seen. He waits there until he has a better idea of what Fargoth has discovered...
Brevig locks eyes with Patrin then turns his attention back down the long corridor. His voice low in his gut, he whispers, “‘Tis dark. ‘Tis...silent.”
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver // Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Fargoth moves further into the hillside cleft, stopping at the end of a peninsula of rock. He peers carefully into a large open space where he sees a troll and some sort of hideous, giant hag-like creature. Both are sitting on a massive log; the troll is sucking on a large broken bone, seemingly in an attempt to remove the marrow from it. The hag is focused on something very tiny in the palm of her left hand. With her right hand, she seems to be using her eerily long nails to carve or shape whatever object it is in her other hand. Absorbed in what they are doing, they are wholly unaware of Fargoth. No other creature, especially a small child, can be seen in this area, which is littered with refuse, bones, branches, rocks, and other unidentifiable rubble. A few more words are exchanged in Giant between the two as they focus on their current tasks.
Meanwhile, near the entrance the other party members watch and wait for what may occur next. To their surprise, what occurs next is the noise of some creature splashing in the river. The source of the noise is a bit too distant for Brevig, Gwin, and Donir. Patrin, however, can see a troll---a two-headed one at that--crossing the river and gripping three or four fish in each hand. The troll does not see the party members, for it is focused on something far more intriguing: the presence of four horses and an elk.
Initiative: Brevig 20, Donir 20, Fargoth 17 , Gwin 9, Patrin 7; monsters 4
(Monsters act first, but only the two-headed troll will do so (dash 60'); the other troll and hag are unaware of the party's presence. All players may act in any order, but keep in mind that Fargoth is unaware of troll in the river, and, conversely, those at the entrance are unware of what Fargoth sees. Brevig and Donir have been assigned a color, as reflected on the map. Round 1 has begun!)
At the sound of splashing, Brevig casually exchanges glances with those around him, the golden flecks in his eyes give off a subtle radiance, and Donir, Gwin, and Patrin feel a burgeoning glow in their sense of purpose. Barely whispering, Brevig reads a short prayer from a small bit of parchment adhered to the inner edge of his shield, which shimmers and disintegrates, except for the prayer runes, which grow and swirl closely around him. The paladin messages to Ashento to be on guard. He otherwise remains completely still, shield and morning star noiselessly ready, allowing the troll to close so that the party will not be too far from Fargoth.
Action: Channel Divinity: Watcher’s Will. As an action, you can choose up to 3 creatures you can see within 30 ft of you. For 1 minute, you and the chosen creatures have advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws.
Bonus Action: cast shield of faith for AC+2.
Free Action: telepathic speech with Ashento.
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver // Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
As the troll grows near, Donir pulls three bracelets from his bag. He tosses one to Brevig, one to Fargoth, and one to Gwynn, and mimes clasping one around his wrist. Anyone who does so instantly feels themselves slightly bolstered, as the runes carved into them glow slightly. Next, he pulls out what looks to be some sort of ornate mechanical snake, which also possesses a set of steel-feathered wings. He flips a switch on it, and its crystal eyes light up. It floats up to the ceiling of the cave and opens its mouth, though nothing else happens. It seems to be waiting for something.
(Casting Aid, and commanding homunculus to hold action to attack the troll if we engage it.)
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Hearing a commotion on the river, Patrin moves to bring it in his line of sight (N12). ‘Two headed troll on the river, heading this way fast!’ warns Patrin, before pointing at the troll, and muttering a few short, sharp words of power. Suddenly two crackling bolts of gold and silver coruscating energy leap out towards the troll.
Patrin casts Eldritch Blast.
Attack 1: 19 Damage: 6
Attack 2: 23 Damage: 13
Fargoth notes the presence of the hag and the troll, and lack of any indicators pointing to a child being with them. He backs up slowly, and starts making his way towards the entrance to inform the others...
Moving 45ft towards the exit. Would I be able to see the troll?
I fear if there's anything in the cave with Fargoth they will now be alerted to our presence. If I can get close enough I'm going to try and buy us some time with the river troll and cast Banishment on it. And with that the little cleric gathers her cloak about her and dashes past Patrin toward the river (M8).
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Fargoth eases his way toward the others, making certain he leaves the troll and hag to continue their pursuits undisturbed. As he approaches the other party members, he senses that some other complication has arisen outside the cave. Whatever that complication is, he cannot see it.
Brevig and Donir ready themselves as Gwin and Patrin make engagement with the troll now unavoidable. Patrin's first blast catches the troll squarely in the chest, but the second sizzles and crackles as it strikes the surface of the river to the left of the troll. The troll, not loosening its grip on its bounty of fish continues its mad rush toward the horses and party members.
Round 1 has ended. Round 2 actions for monsters are as follows: in the cave, the troll and hag take no action (they remain unaware). Two-headed troll dashes 60'. All players may now act in any order.