' My experience is very much the opposite - I've seen plenty of gold in my days, but have never seen a dragon. In any event my friend I'm glad you've decided to join us in our adventure and grateful for your experience and caution to keep the rest of us safe as we venture forward!'
Clapping the older chap on the back Onu let's loose with a deep fulsome laugh, the kind of laugh carefully calibrated to bring the mark in on the joke and make them feel part of the bit and not the target.
'Well I believe our Paladin friend here has plotted a path of glory for us. I'll leave it to him to walk you through the particulars. But in the most immediate sense, I do believe we were going to stop in for any last-minute provisions before stepping off into the unknown!'
Onu finds a strong, muscled frame that doesn't move an inch regardless of the force behind his slap hidden behind the white beard and beneath the traveler's clothes.
"On no, no glory for me, I've been down that road. I'll settle for our healthy return to town here and hopefully some good deeds and sights seen along the way!"
Looking a little bit surprised at the lack of objection to his joining this otherwise young, enthusiastic new adventuring party Artemies replies "oh, well, good, good." "Ready when you all are." He taps his pack with one of his quarterstaves which he's using as a walking stick currently.
(Ok admittedly his strength store is only 12 'because Hexblade', but he's got an ok Con score too and a background as a soldier, so I'll stick to the 'strong for a man who looks like he should be retired' description, at least. haha)
Melvin, having stayed in the tavern quietly observing this young bunch of adventurers, excuses himself after another drink. If they all found decent maps of the ruins, that would be a huge boon. However, Melvin wasn't the right person for the job, he wouldn't fit in right...
As the group is about to set off on their adventure, a young duergar woman with a white mohawk and ritual scarring above her ears and along the shaved parts of her head steps up: "You lookin' to head out o' this here town? Mind if I join ya? I've got some bus'ness to attend to in Gnomegarde, an' I wouldn't mind the comp'ny along the road. The name's Meredith."
To the perceptive among you, you notice that the dwarf lady has a leather bound book at her hip, but otherwise seems to travel very lightly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Even if the pun wasn't intended, it still garnered a chuckle from the Paladin. When everyone looked set and ready to go, Demetrios gives a final respectful nod in Halia's direction before opening the door for everyone else to funnel out first, opting to leave the establishment last. He was ready to close the door behind him himself, however it seemed like the cartographer had beat him to the punch.
From the door, Demetrios' attention is drawn over to where Onu had been, conversing with the older gentleman from the bar earlier. "Glad to see you've changed your mind,"He comments with a warm smile. The paladin moves to unfurl the map in his hands to show Artemis where exactly they would be heading, though he stops when the duegar woman approaches them and introduces herself.
"The more the merrier I say,"Demetrios comments to the others, a sign he was fine with having another addition to the group. He extends his freehand to her. "My name is Demetrios. A pleasure to meet you, Meredith." He gives her a bow of the head, not paying mind to her lack of travel equipment.
Once introductories were completed, Demetrios opens the map once more and shows it to Artmetis and Meredith. "We're planning on going from here to Umbral Hill, then to Gnomengarde. I was thinking that we head over to warn the dwarves afterwards, then back to Phandalin."Cognac hues scan over the group. "How does that sound?"
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
"Sounds perfect! We might get back by dinner."Most likely that would be dinner two days from now, but Lilly did not care about specifics at the moment. A dwarf was a welcome addition to the group too, of course, considering the task and she welcomed a newcomer with appropriate introduction. Everything seemed great and Lilly was ready to follow her fellow adventurers (she really liked the sound of it too!).
'Meredith, you said? Well met indeed.' Onu eyeballs the newcomer carefully, suspicious of her sudden appearance as the party sets out. Suspicious because it's exactly the kind of move he would pull....
KD spends the whole of this interaction trying to get the map from Demetrios, hesitantly reaching a hand out and then retracting it when the paladin shifts his weight or turns, extending the other palm to formally ask for the map during a pause in conversation, and finally grabbing it from him after he shows it to the old man.
She gives a look of sarcastic thanks, and then begins to pore over the parchment, eyes drinking in detail, happy to have something to learn, some document to study. She’s somewhat listening to the conversation.
Navigation Checks! (Now that the group is together and has not expressed any desire/need for any additional provisions, it appears the time is finally near! When you are ready to begin your journey as a group, please indicate to the best of your ability where your character may stand in the marching order. Ie. Who’s navigating? Who’s leading? Who’s watching the rear? Anyone scouting?)
Roll Call: Max of two party members per check. 1 ‘action’ per person. Advantage: Each player can roll their own chosen check (Nature/Survival or Perception), or one could provide the other with help Bonuses: Don’t forget to apply the map bonus if you’re the one navigating (rolling survival).
1. Nature Check: If you want a weather update or to look for herbs or forage on the way 2. Survival Check: Required in order to navigate to your destination (+5 with map) 3. Perception Check: If you want to scout ahead or keep watch on your tail
Destination: Umbridge Hill > Gnomergard > Dwarven Excavation
Lilly is new to that all so the best thing she can do is to look around not sure if anything particular is considered "strange". But she would happily share all her observations (guess, it can be counted as "help"?) However, she would keep an eye on the flora looking for useful (mostly for cooking) herbs and roots. Nature: 19
There's a wave of reassurance that washes over Demetrios when it looked like the others had been in agreeance with his idea. When KD snatches the map from his hands and shoots him a look of sarcastic thanks, the paladin blinks in surprise then rubs the back of his neck. "You could have asked..."Demetrios says sheepishly, hoping to not have seemed as if he was hogging the map.
When Artemis questions on their business on Umbral Hill, he clears his throat and speaks up again. "We need to urge the midwife that lives there alone to return to Phandalin. Apparently there has been some dragon sightings near that area and it is not safe for her to stay."
Now with the group on the road, Demetrios uses KD's assistance to navigate them to Umbral Hill.
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Artemis replies to Demetrios "ah yes, good good." "I can help talk some sense into her. People get set in their ways. Was looking forward to a bit of that myself, but here I am! Haha"
(Arty is bad at all three of the skills the DM listed, but could offer Helpif anyone needs. The most likely task of those he would do is simply watch the rear as he might be slow anything. (Not necessarily mechanically on paper, but thematically as being older.)
Onu is no good at any of the three skills needed, but I supposed I'll take our chances on a Helped Perception check :)
Perception 17
As the party sets out, Onu keeps up a steady chatter of commentary on everything from the nature of mining, to the hair color of the shops proprietor, to the names of various birds chirping away. The prattle covers his true focus, sizing up each of his new traveling companions and watching the party's backtrail.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Already willing to work fairly well as a team, the group sets out well prepared for their adventure ahead. Some may even be stepping entirely out of their comfort zone, but the fruits of their labour don't go unnoticed by the goddess.
Demetrios accepts KD's help and duty to lead with grace. Reviewing the map together, you set out confidently on your path towards Umbrage Hill. Even at a comfortable pace to accommodate everyone's preference, you estimate fairly accurately that you should arrive at Umbrage Hill within two hours. Taking into account some time to complete your first quest, the Paladin felt sure they could easily reach Gnomengarde by dinner time today.
Tap. Tap.
Imagine, a fresh group of heroes completing two tasks in a day? Sure they'd take another day to collect the rewards, but still!
Tap. Tap.
Lilly set out with intents to be as helpful as could be. With the sun shining bright, it was almost as if Tymora graced her with warm light. It shone and danced around the halfling as she pitter pattered, popping with positivity and poking about the local flora. She picked from patches, plucking piles of particular pieces, pocketing palmfuls. Oh my! Berries were one of her unexpected finds alongside a healthy collection of medicinal herbs, cooking herbs and tea leaves. The halfling single handedly, okay dual handedly, collected items that could surely become a part of a well rounded meal. Perhaps a little carried away, Lilly bobbed with excitement as she prepared to present her finds when a berry falls, rolling off into the bushes.
Tap... Tap... Rustle...
Lilly's Picks
Medicinal Herbs:5 bundles Description: Ingredients for poultices and potions
Cooking Herbs:2 bundles Description: Ingredients to spice up a meal. Adds advantage to cooking.
Tea Herbs:3 bundles Description: Ingredients to add a drink to meal. Adds 1d4 healing to meal/rations.
Wild Phandalin Berries:6 -1 oopsie! (RP flavour: playing with her -1 mod :3) Description: A creature can use its action to eat one berry. Eating a berry restores 1 hit point, and the berry provides enough nourishment to sustain a creature for one day. The berries lose their potency if they have not been consumed within 48 hours of picking. (treating similar to Goodberry)
KD, you've familiarized yourself with the map in great detail and as you follow along, you feel familiar with the area even though this may be your first time here. If you choose to listen to Lilly's audible observations, you'd feel confident you could plot out the patches for future gathering should you be so inclined.
Artemis and Onu fall to the rear of the pack, taking on look out duty even if it may not be a honed skill. Between Lilly's mentions, Onu adds to the discussion, filling the air with boundless comfortable chatter that was more engaging than distracting. Mining was abundant in the area, Halia's hair was a natural shade and the birds sang from the tree tops. Speaking of birds... Both of you could swear you've been hearing light tapping in the trees, trailing behind you. Exchanging a look, Onu could confirm with Arty that he's been hearing it too. And not shortly after you all continue on from where Lilly dropped the berry, you could hear rustling in the bush. "Ah yes. Good good." It was Arty's voice, but he's right beside you Onu. If you move to inspect it closer, you only catch glimpse of a shadow waddling off deeper into the bushes.
Demetrios with your sights on the path ahead, you see a break in the trail with the slop of Umbrage Hill creeping into view.
' My experience is very much the opposite - I've seen plenty of gold in my days, but have never seen a dragon. In any event my friend I'm glad you've decided to join us in our adventure and grateful for your experience and caution to keep the rest of us safe as we venture forward!'
"Well I didn't mean... Ah yes. Quite right, quite right. Well where are you all, which is to say we, heading?"
Clapping the older chap on the back Onu let's loose with a deep fulsome laugh, the kind of laugh carefully calibrated to bring the mark in on the joke and make them feel part of the bit and not the target.
'Well I believe our Paladin friend here has plotted a path of glory for us. I'll leave it to him to walk you through the particulars. But in the most immediate sense, I do believe we were going to stop in for any last-minute provisions before stepping off into the unknown!'
Onu finds a strong, muscled frame that doesn't move an inch regardless of the force behind his slap hidden behind the white beard and beneath the traveler's clothes.
"On no, no glory for me, I've been down that road. I'll settle for our healthy return to town here and hopefully some good deeds and sights seen along the way!"
The old man was strong, surprisingly strong.
Maybe he wasn't who he wanted us to believe he was.
Maybe having him along was just what this motley crew needed to make the most of this opportunity.
Either way, one more body would be useful - either to help carry back their riches or soak up some of the proverbial slings and arrows.
'Yes, yes. You look like the sort who's seen his share of adventures - I for one, am grateful to have you join us on the trail!'
Looking a little bit surprised at the lack of objection to his joining this otherwise young, enthusiastic new adventuring party Artemies replies "oh, well, good, good." "Ready when you all are." He taps his pack with one of his quarterstaves which he's using as a walking stick currently.
(Ok admittedly his strength store is only 12 'because Hexblade', but he's got an ok Con score too and a background as a soldier, so I'll stick to the 'strong for a man who looks like he should be retired' description, at least. haha)
Melvin, having stayed in the tavern quietly observing this young bunch of adventurers, excuses himself after another drink. If they all found decent maps of the ruins, that would be a huge boon. However, Melvin wasn't the right person for the job, he wouldn't fit in right...
As the group is about to set off on their adventure, a young duergar woman with a white mohawk and ritual scarring above her ears and along the shaved parts of her head steps up: "You lookin' to head out o' this here town? Mind if I join ya? I've got some bus'ness to attend to in Gnomegarde, an' I wouldn't mind the comp'ny along the road. The name's Meredith."
To the perceptive among you, you notice that the dwarf lady has a leather bound book at her hip, but otherwise seems to travel very lightly.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Even if the pun wasn't intended, it still garnered a chuckle from the Paladin. When everyone looked set and ready to go, Demetrios gives a final respectful nod in Halia's direction before opening the door for everyone else to funnel out first, opting to leave the establishment last. He was ready to close the door behind him himself, however it seemed like the cartographer had beat him to the punch.
From the door, Demetrios' attention is drawn over to where Onu had been, conversing with the older gentleman from the bar earlier. "Glad to see you've changed your mind," He comments with a warm smile. The paladin moves to unfurl the map in his hands to show Artemis where exactly they would be heading, though he stops when the duegar woman approaches them and introduces herself.
"The more the merrier I say," Demetrios comments to the others, a sign he was fine with having another addition to the group. He extends his freehand to her. "My name is Demetrios. A pleasure to meet you, Meredith." He gives her a bow of the head, not paying mind to her lack of travel equipment.
Once introductories were completed, Demetrios opens the map once more and shows it to Artmetis and Meredith. "We're planning on going from here to Umbral Hill, then to Gnomengarde. I was thinking that we head over to warn the dwarves afterwards, then back to Phandalin." Cognac hues scan over the group. "How does that sound?"
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
"Sounds perfect! We might get back by dinner." Most likely that would be dinner two days from now, but Lilly did not care about specifics at the moment. A dwarf was a welcome addition to the group too, of course, considering the task and she welcomed a newcomer with appropriate introduction. Everything seemed great and Lilly was ready to follow her fellow adventurers (she really liked the sound of it too!).
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
'Meredith, you said? Well met indeed.' Onu eyeballs the newcomer carefully, suspicious of her sudden appearance as the party sets out. Suspicious because it's exactly the kind of move he would pull....
Investigation 19
KD spends the whole of this interaction trying to get the map from Demetrios, hesitantly reaching a hand out and then retracting it when the paladin shifts his weight or turns, extending the other palm to formally ask for the map during a pause in conversation, and finally grabbing it from him after he shows it to the old man.
She gives a look of sarcastic thanks, and then begins to pore over the parchment, eyes drinking in detail, happy to have something to learn, some document to study. She’s somewhat listening to the conversation.
"The name's Artemis, by the way" adds the old man. "So what business do we have in Umbral Hill to start then?"
Navigation Checks!
(Now that the group is together and has not expressed any desire/need for any additional provisions, it appears the time is finally near! When you are ready to begin your journey as a group, please indicate to the best of your ability where your character may stand in the marching order. Ie. Who’s navigating? Who’s leading? Who’s watching the rear? Anyone scouting?)
Roll Call: Max of two party members per check. 1 ‘action’ per person.
Advantage: Each player can roll their own chosen check (Nature/Survival or Perception), or one could provide the other with help
Bonuses: Don’t forget to apply the map bonus if you’re the one navigating (rolling survival).
1. Nature Check: If you want a weather update or to look for herbs or forage on the way
2. Survival Check: Required in order to navigate to your destination (+5 with map)
3. Perception Check: If you want to scout ahead or keep watch on your tail
Destination: Umbridge Hill > Gnomergard > Dwarven Excavation
just an unstable unicorn.
Lilly is new to that all so the best thing she can do is to look around not sure if anything particular is considered "strange". But she would happily share all her observations (guess, it can be counted as "help"?) However, she would keep an eye on the flora looking for useful (mostly for cooking) herbs and roots. Nature: 19
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
KD, nose in the map, eyes darting up for landmarks only periodically, offers to help guide someone who can keep an eye on the road ahead.
There's a wave of reassurance that washes over Demetrios when it looked like the others had been in agreeance with his idea. When KD snatches the map from his hands and shoots him a look of sarcastic thanks, the paladin blinks in surprise then rubs the back of his neck. "You could have asked..." Demetrios says sheepishly, hoping to not have seemed as if he was hogging the map.
When Artemis questions on their business on Umbral Hill, he clears his throat and speaks up again. "We need to urge the midwife that lives there alone to return to Phandalin. Apparently there has been some dragon sightings near that area and it is not safe for her to stay."
Now with the group on the road, Demetrios uses KD's assistance to navigate them to Umbral Hill.
Survival (with adv + map help): 17
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Artemis replies to Demetrios "ah yes, good good." "I can help talk some sense into her. People get set in their ways. Was looking forward to a bit of that myself, but here I am! Haha"
(Arty is bad at all three of the skills the DM listed, but could offer Help if anyone needs. The most likely task of those he would do is simply watch the rear as he might be slow anything. (Not necessarily mechanically on paper, but thematically as being older.)
Onu is no good at any of the three skills needed, but I supposed I'll take our chances on a Helped Perception check :)
Perception 17
As the party sets out, Onu keeps up a steady chatter of commentary on everything from the nature of mining, to the hair color of the shops proprietor, to the names of various birds chirping away. The prattle covers his true focus, sizing up each of his new traveling companions and watching the party's backtrail.
Already willing to work fairly well as a team, the group sets out well prepared for their adventure ahead. Some may even be stepping entirely out of their comfort zone, but the fruits of their labour don't go unnoticed by the goddess.
Demetrios accepts KD's help and duty to lead with grace. Reviewing the map together, you set out confidently on your path towards Umbrage Hill. Even at a comfortable pace to accommodate everyone's preference, you estimate fairly accurately that you should arrive at Umbrage Hill within two hours. Taking into account some time to complete your first quest, the Paladin felt sure they could easily reach Gnomengarde by dinner time today.
Tap. Tap.
Imagine, a fresh group of heroes completing two tasks in a day? Sure they'd take another day to collect the rewards, but still!
Tap. Tap.
Lilly set out with intents to be as helpful as could be. With the sun shining bright, it was almost as if Tymora graced her with warm light. It shone and danced around the halfling as she pitter pattered, popping with positivity and poking about the local flora. She picked from patches, plucking piles of particular pieces, pocketing palmfuls. Oh my! Berries were one of her unexpected finds alongside a healthy collection of medicinal herbs, cooking herbs and tea leaves. The halfling single handedly, okay dual handedly, collected items that could surely become a part of a well rounded meal. Perhaps a little carried away, Lilly bobbed with excitement as she prepared to present her finds when a berry falls, rolling off into the bushes.
Tap... Tap... Rustle...
Lilly's Picks
Medicinal Herbs: 5 bundles
Description: Ingredients for poultices and potions
Cooking Herbs: 2 bundles
Description: Ingredients to spice up a meal. Adds advantage to cooking.
Tea Herbs: 3 bundles
Description: Ingredients to add a drink to meal. Adds 1d4 healing to meal/rations.
Wild Phandalin Berries: 6 -1 oopsie! (RP flavour: playing with her -1 mod :3)
Description: A creature can use its action to eat one berry. Eating a berry restores 1 hit point, and the berry provides enough nourishment to sustain a creature for one day. The berries lose their potency if they have not been consumed within 48 hours of picking. (treating similar to Goodberry)
KD, you've familiarized yourself with the map in great detail and as you follow along, you feel familiar with the area even though this may be your first time here. If you choose to listen to Lilly's audible observations, you'd feel confident you could plot out the patches for future gathering should you be so inclined.
Artemis and Onu fall to the rear of the pack, taking on look out duty even if it may not be a honed skill. Between Lilly's mentions, Onu adds to the discussion, filling the air with boundless comfortable chatter that was more engaging than distracting. Mining was abundant in the area, Halia's hair was a natural shade and the birds sang from the tree tops. Speaking of birds... Both of you could swear you've been hearing light tapping in the trees, trailing behind you. Exchanging a look, Onu could confirm with Arty that he's been hearing it too. And not shortly after you all continue on from where Lilly dropped the berry, you could hear rustling in the bush. "Ah yes. Good good." It was Arty's voice, but he's right beside you Onu. If you move to inspect it closer, you only catch glimpse of a shadow waddling off deeper into the bushes.
Demetrios with your sights on the path ahead, you see a break in the trail with the slop of Umbrage Hill creeping into view.
DM: 18
DM: 20
Perception Check
Roll call: Anyone!
just an unstable unicorn.
oh noes.... I'm scared by shadows that waddle. It means they've been feasting on sumthin'
Perception 3