We find ourselves in the midst of an epic adventure, where five heroes have been carefully picked by the cautious eye of Gundren Rockseeker. The heroes in question:
Hello everyone, thank you for being part of this short adventure. I want to clarify just a few things before we start, regarding the campaign and combat:
Campaign
- Please make sure to roll your skill checks in advance if you think your action might require one - If possible, try to tag items/magic items in square brackets [ ] [/ ] like so: Amethyst ([ item]Amethyst[/item]) - replace the word inside the brackets with whatever you're tagging (can be spell, creature, condition, action, etc...) - Understand that if you haven't responded in a while, the plot might move forward without your input - Please be as respectful as possible with your fellow adventurers and DM (hey, that's me!) - Place your OOC messages either in brackets or write OOC: before them
Combat
- Please make sure to roll your attacks and damage in advance (I will let you know if you hit or not afterward) - If possible, try to tag spells/abilities in square brackets [ ] [/ ] like so: Animate Dead ([ spell]Animate Dead[/spell]) - replace the word inside the brackets with whatever you're tagging (can be item, magicItem, creature, condition, action, etc...) - Combat will run as normal, and I shall send a screenshot of the battle map (with coordinates) every few turns. You may point to a specific coordinate where you want your character to move. I will also let you know when your turns are up. Additionally: Drinking potions is a Bonus Action | Flanking is allowed | Stealth attacks will be resolved before we roll initiative | Leveling is milestone based | Additional rules might be added later. - Understand that if you haven't taken your turn, a long while after being notified, the DM (also me) might act on the behalf of your character for that turn
The Adventure Begins
In the city of Neverwinter, a dwarf named Gundren Rockseeker has asked you to transport a wagon load of provisions to the rough-and-tumble settlement of Phandalin, a couple of days' travel southeast of the city. Gundren was clearly excited and more than a little secretive about his reasons for the trip, saying only that he and his brothers had found "something big," and that he'd pay you ten gold pieces each for escorting his supplies safely to Barthen's Provisions, a trading post in Phandalin. He then set out ahead of you on horse, along with a warrior escort named Sildar Haliwinter, claiming he needed to arrive early to "take care of business." You've spent the last few days following the High Road south from Neverwinter, and you've just recently veered east along the Triboar Trail.
You've encountered no trouble so far, but this territory can be quite dangerous at times. Bandits and outlaws have been known to lurk along the trail, and also goblins. Although you have been traveling for a few days, the dangers of the road and the stiffness of the situation have kept you tense. No one knows much about each other except for your names. Some of you are driving the wagon, some of you are just riding in the back, and some are walking on the sides, but that's up to you to decide. As you’re finally approaching Phandalin, being just a bit over half a day away, you find a moment of respite – a moment in which you finally start to wonder more about your companions. What do you do?
"... and poor Gundren was fuming when I insisted we make room for an extra crate of apples," Tessa chuckles and grins. "His face turned deep red and nostrils were flaring, and he said: 'Listen now young lady. I have packed this cart, and it's full. There no extra space. Not for apples, not for anything else'," she continues, imitating quite well Gundren's dwarven drawl.
"But... he was wrong, of course. And I'm glad we have extra apples with us, now. Care some?" Tessa reaches into the aforementioned crate, pulls out one deliciously red apple, and takes a bite. "Never leave home without some apples, my mother used to say."
While the travel out of Neverwinter has been quite uneventful so far, one cannot say it would be boring - not with Tessa Tealeaf riding along. The young halfling woman never stays silent for long, happy to keep commentary on the local flora should she run out of juicy gossip. Gossipy by nature looks of a rural girl, her outfit strikes some contrast to her being. Neat armor of studded leather, a shield with cornucopia painted on it, and a rapier that is never far away from her hands. Perhaps even some skill in using those.
After finishing the apple, she throws the core over the side of the cart. "Hey Teslyn, sing again that song about the knights of the Dragon Down. I rather liked that one!"Tessa says and pulls up the hood of her cloak, hiding her curly, dark hair. Then she just lays down and enjoys the travel.
(OOC: About combat: Will you use block initiative (ie. all character who have higher initiative than the next enemy, can act in any order as they post)? Or does anyone have their own turn in initiative order?)
(OOC: About combat: Will you use block initiative (ie. all character who have higher initiative than the next enemy, can act in any order as they post)? Or does anyone have their own turn in initiative order?)
It doesn't sound like a bad idea. If it helps move the combat more swiftly, we can do that. Thank you for the suggestion.
"These apples sure where a great choice" mumbles Duncan to himself as he shifts the reins of the cart to one hand and reaches back making a passing symbol with his hand to Tessa.
Seldom speaking much while on the road until a day and a half in, Duncan was always making sure to be keen and listen to the conversations and banters of his fellow travelers while humming small tunes to himself. His green and brown cloak is down, revealing an ornately inscribed scale-mail showing depictions of dwarves, mining, and small dwarfish words. Although his clothes are dirty and rough this piece of scale mail is kept well polished and clean. Taking in a bit of the sun while on the road, Duncan lets down his bun letting his blonde hair fall down past his shoulders. He pipes up beckoning to Lillian for the first time.
"So tell me Lillian, is it?, what inspired you to pick up that warhammer and travel along the High Road?"
Teslyn, from her position up front next to Duncan calls back to Tessa, "That one again? Sure, if everyone isn't sick of my playing." Teslyn started playing the tune, a relatively simple song suitable for performing well on the bumps and shakes on the cart.
She has her own long golden hair pulled into a fairly simple braid for the trip. Her leather armor is very embellished and colorful, in shades of blue, purple, and green.
"I do want to apologize about how bossy I got back there. I've been packing and driving carts since I was a little kid, just something I'm good at. I did find room for an extra person, and the apples by insisting on repacking the cart."
When you meet Maris, you'll see a wood elf with a slender build and a hop in his step. His wool and leather clothing is well worn, but still serviceable, with a fine layer of dirt. He has shoulder length black hair slicked back and has a lightly packed backpack slung over one shoulder.
He will have spent much of the time traveling searching the trees and brush on the roadside for fruit, offering to share with the rest of the party what he finds. When he's riding in the cart he'll play songs on his flute.
Right now, Maris will shuffle his backpack to his front, drop his half eaten apple in it, and pulls out his flute, "Are we playing again? Did you want me to join?"
Lillian is a tall muscular woman with mousy brown hair and brown eyes. She is wearing chain mail armor that seems pieced together from spare parts and, though it doesn't quite seem to fit, it does not seem to bother Lillian in any way. She carries a shield and a warhammer, both of which have seen better days, but are obviously still serviceable. Up to this point she has seemed to be quiet, other than the occasional apology. She seems more shy than standoffish and spends what little free time is available reading. She walks alongside the wagon so she can be ready should there be an attack, much to the amusement of the more experienced "guards."
Seeming almost startled by be being addressed directly, Lillian responds to Duncan. "Well, my master ... er former master was convinced that magic was all about studying and progressing understanding of the universe. Which is all well and good, but I am not built for sitting in a library all day. Besides, there are plenty of songs and epics about great wizards using their skills in battle. So, I decided it was time to find my own path. Truth be told, it is scary and the magic I was learning is coming much slower without proper tutelage, but there is no turning back now. You seem much more comfortable on the road. In fact, you all do."
Turning to Tessa, she adds, "may I have an apple please? You sure were brave standing up to Gundren like that."
Maris accompanies Teslyn's song keeping a simple harmony.
I'm beginning to see why people travel like this, he thinks. The peace of solo travel has its perks, but it's better somehow when broken up like this. Anything's better than that tangle of stone buildings in Neverwinter.
Your current experience on the road seems to be quite pleasant so far. There is melodic singing and the delicious smell of fresh apples coming from the back of the cart. Moreover, the weather is enjoyable and relatively warm, the skies are clear and of a pristine blue.
This job is easy, you begin to tell yourselves. After all, it's nothing more than just taking supplies from one city to another.
You've been traveling on this Triboar Trail for about half a day now, and as you come around a bend, you spot two dead horses sprawled further ahead on the path. From this distance, about 50ft. away from the wagon, you can see there are arrows sticking out of their lifeless bodies. The woods press close to the trail here; plenty of thickets and large trees on each side of the path.
Gundren Rockseeker and Sildar were ahead of you, and these two horses, although it isn't very clear from this point, look kind of familiar.
Maris tucks away his flute, and pulls the apple back out of his pack. "Well, that was just too good to last," he quips.
An avid hunter, he scans the nearby brush for the source of the arrows. "Anyone fancy a closer look with me? With any luck this happened days ago and the fiends who did this are far away."
Perception: 14
OOC: Sorry working mostly on mobile and the formatting options don't play well on my phone.
Lillian will join in the search with an emphasis on determining whether there are Dwarf or other humanoid bodies near the horses. She calls out. "Duncan, can you find any tracks suggesting who might have done this?"
As far as both of you can tell, there are just dead horses on the path. Nothing else really catches your eye from here. Does any of you wish to approach the horses for a closer inspection?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Putting the reins to the side Duncan ready's his crossbow and hops down from the cart "Aye I'll check the horses packs and look for any tracks around them you all just stay put and watch my back"
Perception or Survival whichever is necessary16
Duncan approaches the horses maybe getting a bit too focused at them trying to figure out if these were Gundren and Sildars or someone else
*Edit forgot to add modifier and hope I get these commands right*
"Careful, now! Horses don't usually go dying on their own in the middle of the path."
Tessa grabs her shield and starts quickly fastening the straps to her arm while jumping down from the cart. "Owww..." she mutters. The landing far from perfect, and she was close to spraining her ankle. She should know better than to do multiple things at once. But the pain isn't severe, and she hustles to catch up with the others, taking place next to Duncan.
Maris and Lillian seem to take care of investigating the horses, so she keeps her eyes and ears on the surrounding woods. "So peaceful and quiet," she whispers. "Shame about the horses."
Getting closer to the horses, Duncan realizes almost immediately that these are indeed Gundren and Sildar's horses. They seem to have been shot and slightly repositioned to block the pathway. He also happens to find empty saddlebags and an empty leather map case nearby. Whoever must've taken the leather case discarded it immediately after obtaining its contents. Nothing else of use can be found here.
Small steps are barely discernible on the otherwise dry path, and they seem to be going all over the place, some of them leading to the sides of the road. You begin to hear rustling and mumbling, and, before long, you all see as four goblins emerge from the bushes, two on each side of the road.
Fortunately for Duncan, Tessa manages to grab his attention just in time with a shout. She saw just moments before that something was indeed wrong with the nearby bushes. The goblins emerge wielding scimitars, glistening in the afternoon sun, but also shortbows crafted from low-quality wood. Their overall equipment looks self-made from scraps and other such weak parts.
As they approach, they shout in goblin:
Get them! Take every piece of gold you find!
(It's time to roll initiative. If you're ok with that, I can roll it for everybody at once, or you can do it yourselves (just let me know). I'll try to keep the monsters on the same initiative for now and see how it goes; everyone who goes before or after them can post in whichever order they like.)
Goblin initiative (4 enemies): 13
Edit: Here's how the map looks right now:
Everyone aside from Teslyn has moved closer to Duncan in his search, but he's the closest to the horses overall. I picked some random photos online for your tokens, so I'm sorry if they don't represent your character that well. I will try to post a new screenshot after every few turns.
The Lost Mines
We find ourselves in the midst of an epic adventure, where five heroes have been carefully picked by the cautious eye of Gundren Rockseeker. The heroes in question:
Teslyn Goldenhair - Half Elf, Bard [Charwoman_Gene]
Duncan/Goldenbolt - Hill Dwarf, Ranger [Enrico_Dandolo]
Ilimaris "Maris" Dalanthan - Wood Elf, Monk [alvarovanagandr]
Tessa Tealeaf - Halfling, Cleric [KarmaPharma]
Lillian - Variant Human, Fighter [UncleDobbin]
Useful Information (Please read)
Hello everyone, thank you for being part of this short adventure. I want to clarify just a few things before we start, regarding the campaign and combat:
- Please make sure to roll your skill checks in advance if you think your action might require one
- If possible, try to tag items/magic items in square brackets [ ] [/ ] like so: Amethyst ([ item]Amethyst[/item]) - replace the word inside the brackets with whatever you're tagging (can be spell, creature, condition, action, etc...)
- Understand that if you haven't responded in a while, the plot might move forward without your input
- Please be as respectful as possible with your fellow adventurers and DM (hey, that's me!)
- Place your OOC messages either in brackets or write OOC: before them
- Please make sure to roll your attacks and damage in advance (I will let you know if you hit or not afterward)
- If possible, try to tag spells/abilities in square brackets [ ] [/ ] like so: Animate Dead ([ spell]Animate Dead[/spell]) - replace the word inside the brackets with whatever you're tagging (can be item, magicItem, creature, condition, action, etc...)
- Combat will run as normal, and I shall send a screenshot of the battle map (with coordinates) every few turns. You may point to a specific coordinate where you want your character to move. I will also let you know when your turns are up. Additionally: Drinking potions is a Bonus Action | Flanking is allowed | Stealth attacks will be resolved before we roll initiative | Leveling is milestone based | Additional rules might be added later.
- Understand that if you haven't taken your turn, a long while after being notified, the DM (also me) might act on the behalf of your character for that turn
The Adventure Begins
In the city of Neverwinter, a dwarf named Gundren Rockseeker has asked you to transport a wagon load of provisions to the rough-and-tumble settlement of Phandalin, a couple of days' travel southeast of the city. Gundren was clearly excited and more than a little secretive about his reasons for the trip, saying only that he and his brothers had found "something big," and that he'd pay you ten gold pieces each for escorting his supplies safely to Barthen's Provisions, a trading post in Phandalin. He then set out ahead of you on horse, along with a warrior escort named Sildar Haliwinter, claiming he needed to arrive early to "take care of business." You've spent the last few days following the High Road south from Neverwinter, and you've just recently veered east along the Triboar Trail.
You've encountered no trouble so far, but this territory can be quite dangerous at times. Bandits and outlaws have been known to lurk along the trail, and also goblins. Although you have been traveling for a few days, the dangers of the road and the stiffness of the situation have kept you tense. No one knows much about each other except for your names. Some of you are driving the wagon, some of you are just riding in the back, and some are walking on the sides, but that's up to you to decide. As you’re finally approaching Phandalin, being just a bit over half a day away, you find a moment of respite – a moment in which you finally start to wonder more about your companions. What do you do?
"... and poor Gundren was fuming when I insisted we make room for an extra crate of apples," Tessa chuckles and grins. "His face turned deep red and nostrils were flaring, and he said: 'Listen now young lady. I have packed this cart, and it's full. There no extra space. Not for apples, not for anything else'," she continues, imitating quite well Gundren's dwarven drawl.
"But... he was wrong, of course. And I'm glad we have extra apples with us, now. Care some?" Tessa reaches into the aforementioned crate, pulls out one deliciously red apple, and takes a bite. "Never leave home without some apples, my mother used to say."
While the travel out of Neverwinter has been quite uneventful so far, one cannot say it would be boring - not with Tessa Tealeaf riding along. The young halfling woman never stays silent for long, happy to keep commentary on the local flora should she run out of juicy gossip. Gossipy by nature looks of a rural girl, her outfit strikes some contrast to her being. Neat armor of studded leather, a shield with cornucopia painted on it, and a rapier that is never far away from her hands. Perhaps even some skill in using those.
After finishing the apple, she throws the core over the side of the cart. "Hey Teslyn, sing again that song about the knights of the Dragon Down. I rather liked that one!" Tessa says and pulls up the hood of her cloak, hiding her curly, dark hair. Then she just lays down and enjoys the travel.
(OOC: About combat: Will you use block initiative (ie. all character who have higher initiative than the next enemy, can act in any order as they post)? Or does anyone have their own turn in initiative order?)
Hobbs: Bugbear Ranger (1) - Xhorhas
Tessa Tealeaf: Halfling Cleric (1) - Lost Mines of Phandelver
It doesn't sound like a bad idea. If it helps move the combat more swiftly, we can do that. Thank you for the suggestion.
"These apples sure where a great choice" mumbles Duncan to himself as he shifts the reins of the cart to one hand and reaches back making a passing symbol with his hand to Tessa.
Seldom speaking much while on the road until a day and a half in, Duncan was always making sure to be keen and listen to the conversations and banters of his fellow travelers while humming small tunes to himself. His green and brown cloak is down, revealing an ornately inscribed scale-mail showing depictions of dwarves, mining, and small dwarfish words. Although his clothes are dirty and rough this piece of scale mail is kept well polished and clean. Taking in a bit of the sun while on the road, Duncan lets down his bun letting his blonde hair fall down past his shoulders. He pipes up beckoning to Lillian for the first time.
"So tell me Lillian, is it?, what inspired you to pick up that warhammer and travel along the High Road?"
Teslyn, from her position up front next to Duncan calls back to Tessa, "That one again? Sure, if everyone isn't sick of my playing." Teslyn started playing the tune, a relatively simple song suitable for performing well on the bumps and shakes on the cart.
She has her own long golden hair pulled into a fairly simple braid for the trip. Her leather armor is very embellished and colorful, in shades of blue, purple, and green.
"I do want to apologize about how bossy I got back there. I've been packing and driving carts since I was a little kid, just something I'm good at. I did find room for an extra person, and the apples by insisting on repacking the cart."
Liarin: Against the Cult of the Reptile God
Adewild: Shadows and Light 2
Brother Thaddeus: Rime of the Frostmaiden.
When you meet Maris, you'll see a wood elf with a slender build and a hop in his step. His wool and leather clothing is well worn, but still serviceable, with a fine layer of dirt. He has shoulder length black hair slicked back and has a lightly packed backpack slung over one shoulder.
He will have spent much of the time traveling searching the trees and brush on the roadside for fruit, offering to share with the rest of the party what he finds. When he's riding in the cart he'll play songs on his flute.
Right now, Maris will shuffle his backpack to his front, drop his half eaten apple in it, and pulls out his flute, "Are we playing again? Did you want me to join?"
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
Lillian is a tall muscular woman with mousy brown hair and brown eyes. She is wearing chain mail armor that seems pieced together from spare parts and, though it doesn't quite seem to fit, it does not seem to bother Lillian in any way. She carries a shield and a warhammer, both of which have seen better days, but are obviously still serviceable. Up to this point she has seemed to be quiet, other than the occasional apology. She seems more shy than standoffish and spends what little free time is available reading. She walks alongside the wagon so she can be ready should there be an attack, much to the amusement of the more experienced "guards."
Seeming almost startled by be being addressed directly, Lillian responds to Duncan. "Well, my master ... er former master was convinced that magic was all about studying and progressing understanding of the universe. Which is all well and good, but I am not built for sitting in a library all day. Besides, there are plenty of songs and epics about great wizards using their skills in battle. So, I decided it was time to find my own path. Truth be told, it is scary and the magic I was learning is coming much slower without proper tutelage, but there is no turning back now. You seem much more comfortable on the road. In fact, you all do."
Turning to Tessa, she adds, "may I have an apple please? You sure were brave standing up to Gundren like that."
Maris accompanies Teslyn's song keeping a simple harmony.
I'm beginning to see why people travel like this, he thinks. The peace of solo travel has its perks, but it's better somehow when broken up like this. Anything's better than that tangle of stone buildings in Neverwinter.
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
Your current experience on the road seems to be quite pleasant so far. There is melodic singing and the delicious smell of fresh apples coming from the back of the cart. Moreover, the weather is enjoyable and relatively warm, the skies are clear and of a pristine blue.
This job is easy, you begin to tell yourselves. After all, it's nothing more than just taking supplies from one city to another.
You've been traveling on this Triboar Trail for about half a day now, and as you come around a bend, you spot two dead horses sprawled further ahead on the path. From this distance, about 50ft. away from the wagon, you can see there are arrows sticking out of their lifeless bodies. The woods press close to the trail here; plenty of thickets and large trees on each side of the path.
Gundren Rockseeker and Sildar were ahead of you, and these two horses, although it isn't very clear from this point, look kind of familiar.
Maris tucks away his flute, and pulls the apple back out of his pack. "Well, that was just too good to last," he quips.
An avid hunter, he scans the nearby brush for the source of the arrows. "Anyone fancy a closer look with me? With any luck this happened days ago and the fiends who did this are far away."
Perception: 14
OOC: Sorry working mostly on mobile and the formatting options don't play well on my phone.
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
Lillian will join in the search with an emphasis on determining whether there are Dwarf or other humanoid bodies near the horses. She calls out. "Duncan, can you find any tracks suggesting who might have done this?"
Perception: 18
As far as both of you can tell, there are just dead horses on the path. Nothing else really catches your eye from here. Does any of you wish to approach the horses for a closer inspection?
Maris will.
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
Putting the reins to the side Duncan ready's his crossbow and hops down from the cart
"Aye I'll check the horses packs and look for any tracks around them you all just stay put and watch my back"
Perception or Survival whichever is necessary 16
Duncan approaches the horses maybe getting a bit too focused at them trying to figure out if these were Gundren and Sildars or someone else
*Edit forgot to add modifier and hope I get these commands right*
"Careful, now! Horses don't usually go dying on their own in the middle of the path."
Tessa grabs her shield and starts quickly fastening the straps to her arm while jumping down from the cart. "Owww..." she mutters. The landing far from perfect, and she was close to spraining her ankle. She should know better than to do multiple things at once. But the pain isn't severe, and she hustles to catch up with the others, taking place next to Duncan.
Maris and Lillian seem to take care of investigating the horses, so she keeps her eyes and ears on the surrounding woods. "So peaceful and quiet," she whispers. "Shame about the horses."
Perception 24
Hobbs: Bugbear Ranger (1) - Xhorhas
Tessa Tealeaf: Halfling Cleric (1) - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Getting closer to the horses, Duncan realizes almost immediately that these are indeed Gundren and Sildar's horses. They seem to have been shot and slightly repositioned to block the pathway. He also happens to find empty saddlebags and an empty leather map case nearby. Whoever must've taken the leather case discarded it immediately after obtaining its contents. Nothing else of use can be found here.
Small steps are barely discernible on the otherwise dry path, and they seem to be going all over the place, some of them leading to the sides of the road. You begin to hear rustling and mumbling, and, before long, you all see as four goblins emerge from the bushes, two on each side of the road.
Fortunately for Duncan, Tessa manages to grab his attention just in time with a shout. She saw just moments before that something was indeed wrong with the nearby bushes. The goblins emerge wielding scimitars, glistening in the afternoon sun, but also shortbows crafted from low-quality wood. Their overall equipment looks self-made from scraps and other such weak parts.
As they approach, they shout in goblin:
Get them! Take every piece of gold you find!
(It's time to roll initiative. If you're ok with that, I can roll it for everybody at once, or you can do it yourselves (just let me know). I'll try to keep the monsters on the same initiative for now and see how it goes; everyone who goes before or after them can post in whichever order they like.)
Goblin initiative (4 enemies): 13
Edit: Here's how the map looks right now:
Everyone aside from Teslyn has moved closer to Duncan in his search, but he's the closest to the horses overall. I picked some random photos online for your tokens, so I'm sorry if they don't represent your character that well. I will try to post a new screenshot after every few turns.
Initiative 6 (OOC: I'm also fine if you roll for initiative. Might even work better that way.)
"Goblins!" Tessa shouts, and wrinkles her nose in distaste. "I should've known..."
Hobbs: Bugbear Ranger (1) - Xhorhas
Tessa Tealeaf: Halfling Cleric (1) - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Initiative 15
(OOC: I also agree with Karma)
Initiative 10
OOC: I agree, roll initiative for myself too.
Squaring off with the goblin nearest to me, "Well I needed to stretch out anyway."
Edit: First Crit!
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
Despite her commitment to being ever vigilant, Lillian manages to be slow to react when something actually happens.
Initiative: 4
(I also agree that having DM roll initiative at beginning of combat would remove a round of waiting for everyone)