Izore, getting a bit distracted while looking at the building from the outside, hurries after the rest of her comrades when she realises the doors have been opened. Quickly, she catches up to the group, her eyes falling upon the gnome, standing in the doorway. A warm smile graces her lips as she acknowledges Glowkindle and steps gracefully over the threshold.
Walking after her fellow adventurers, the blond teenager looks around curiously and wide-eyed, never having stepped a foot in a brewery before. After all, she has barely passed eighteen years of age and her lack of experience in such places is probably obvious. As Glowkindle nervously rambles, offering ale to the group, Izore’s focus remains on the surroundings. She stares up at the high ceilings looming above and then down, observing quietly the hustling humans and halflings who work here. They all look well-dressed and busy and the half-elf thinks to herself that the business must be doing good.
Guided to a bar area, Izore finds herself a chair, her attention now honed on the gnome, ready to listen to what he has to say.
“Master Glowkindle, was there any inscription or writing upon those ancient ruins?”, she inquires, rubbing her neck thoughtfully. Her delicate eyebrows furrow with contemplation as she ponders the rest of the gnome’s words. “Have you managed to vanquish or capture any of these monstrous rats?”
She suddenly feels a thrill at the prospect of seeing one of the giant creatures with her own eyes but she tries to keep her composure. Perhaps that will help with ascertaining whether the payment that the gnome offered would be fair for the task.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeran Dormaris - L2 Paladin on his way to Phandelver
While the Wizard ponders on his knowledge of old ruins within the town, Glowkindle gets to work preparing glasses of water for the rest of the party. He appears just a bit disappointed that you won’t all try the ale he has to offer, but the Gnome supposes Vonbek makes a fair point — it’ll taste all the sweeter after their quest is complete. Meanwhile, Fiselius recalls the origin of the Wizard’s Towery Brewery’s name, an old tale he’d heard. It was built upon the ruins of an ancient wizard’s tower that used to exist on the site where this building now stands, and while the remnants of the arcane have disappeared above ground — perhaps below the dirt, where the cellar is, it still remains.
“Well, the workmen never did tell me how many rats escaped from behind the wall. They didn’t exactly, uh, stick around to find out,” Glowkindle says in response to Vonbek, letting out another nervous chuckle. “They didn’t battle the giant rats, they all just managed to escape with a few cuts and bruises, you see. And, well, I certainly haven’t gone down there myself since,” he continues, answering Izore’s questions now. “As such, I, ah, don’t quite know what’s in the cellar beyond our storage barrels, now that that old wall’s been uncovered. I’m not the brave sort like you are.” The Gnome’s gaze sweeps across each of you, giving the party an anxious smile.
(the economy in this setting functions just the same as explained in the Player’s Handbook, so 25gp is equivalent to about two and a half days’ worth of an aristocratic lifestyle! Fiselius can certainly try negotiating a higher reward, if he’d like)
Fiselius listens as Glowkindle describes the rats and wall. "Hmm," he hums softly, "An unknown number of rats? Adds a risk factor to such a task. Plus, if I seem to recall this tavern stands on the site of an old wizard tower that used to be here. If that wall is, indeed, part of the tower who knows what may lurk behind?" He darts his eyes upwards in thought, "Might I suggest a slight negotiation on the 25gp? Perhaps to... 35gp?" He gives a hopeful smile. "Plus, if the wall is in fact part of the wizard tower, you may have just found yourself a pre-built beer cellar far larger than you were hoping for, already built free of charge. No doubt that will save on construction costs."
“Oh!” Glowkindle squeaks in response to the Wizard’s negotiations. “Thirty-five gold each, yes, that’s no problem at all!” The Gnome gives the party another one of his nervous chuckles, wringing his small hands together and watching each of your expressions carefully. “So, ah, will you do it?” the brewery owner asks of the new adventurers.
He was quite quick to accept the 35gp. thinks Fiselius, I suppose I should've aimed higher. But a deal's a deal. He replies to Glowkindle, "I'm in." He turns to Emmaline and Gary, "Rats and possibly a wizard's tower. It's quite fortuitous for us to have a god-blessed endeavor with your presences." Speaking to Vonbek he adds, "Earlier you seemed to chuckle at the mention of rats. Might you have any particular ideas on how to proceed?"
"Thank you for that most generous offer Glowkindle, please allow us a moment to discuss your offer amongst ourselves." Once out of earshot, Vonbek raises his suspicions of the tasks before them. "I have noticed that Glowkindle is rather apprehensive about our tasks, and seems to be in a great hurry for us to begin". "He easily raised the reward, for helping him, almost too easily, it makes me wonder if there is more to this adventure than he is telling us." "I am still willing to be part of this adventure, but I can't help feeling this is going to be no easy task."
Vonbek thinks to himself that they may have been brought here under false reasons. Could it be that these old ruins contain treasure guarded by these large rats? Or perhaps the rats are only the beginning.
As they make preparations to enter the basement, Emmaline addresses her companions (utilizing her "Inspiring Leader" feat), acknowledging, "Of course, it is possible we'll face more than rats down in this basement. What is this life of ours if not a endless game of chance and surprises... Am I right? But look at us. We are brave adventurers, every one. Each capable in their own right, but together, we are, beyond doubt, a force to be reckoned with... Be it rat or toad or something more sinister. The full strength of our potential as a team has yet to be discovered. I know we can handle whatever perils fate has in store for us...
"Because I do not believe we are as hapless victims of fate. Not this group." She looks around at each of the party members, landing finally with Gary. "I believe we were meant to find one and other. You do not need to share the faith of the Dawnbringer to understand what I mean." She smiles an earnest, friendly smile. "I know you can already feel it in your bones. From the moment we met. This group is something special. We compliment one and other. We share a common heart. Together, we can do amazing things. So, let's begin our journey together."Then, with a wide grin and a booming voice. "Let's kill some rats!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Fiselius nods along to Vonbek's concerns. "I too was not expecting the increase to 35gp to be so easy. So I share your thought that there may be more to this than we've seen so far, although I suspect it to be innocent ignorance as opposed to any deception. But a deal's a deal and I've got a family to provide for."
As Emmaline begins to speak he turns his attention to her. Though he hasn't known the paladin long, her confidence and conviction is infectious and he feels a sense of awe rising up in himself. He cannot help but smile with excitement and feel more than ready to welcome the challenges ahead with open arms and enthusiasm. As she finishes with the statement of killing rats he lifts up his staff in agreement and huzzah.
Gary beams at the groups easy transition in to a solid party. “Well then I believe it’s high time to clean out your home!”
and to emmaline in whispered low tone ”well spoken miss Emmaline now that is how all paladins should rally im honor ta fight beside ya.”
to Fiselius “nice negotiatian needed someone like you on me past jobs!”
to Vonbek in low tones “aye tis odd but we’ll keep our eyes peeled and watch over each other an if he’s playing us dirty he’ll not like see our faces when we return.”
to Izore with a joking smile“ya know rat stews really not as bad as people make it out ta be a bit o seasoning really bring out the flavor.”
"Thirty five pieces of gold? Well, I should learn how to do that for future adventures!", thinks Izore impressed with the result of the exchange between the two gnomes. She smiles with appreciation to Fiselius when her gaze meets his.
"Thank you for your negotiation on everybody's behalf"
The speech that Emmaline holds, leaves the half-elf with great admiration and even greater enthusiasm and Izore chuckles at Gary's joke, fired up by the paladin's words.
"Let's get going then, shall we?", she jumps from her chair, ready to begin with the real part of this adventure.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeran Dormaris - L2 Paladin on his way to Phandelver
A relieved smile, full of gratitude, spreads its way across the small Gnome’s face as you each agree to take on the quest in turn. “Thank you, adventurers! Thank you very kindly! Yes, yes, of course,” the brewery owner squeaks while he begins to collect your glasses and wipe them clean, and the party gathers to speak amongst yourselves. The only one who remains to accept the quest is the Barbarian.
Vonbek studies the anxious Gnome while he relays his suspicions to the rest of you. As he inspects Glowkindle from afar, watching as the brewery owner cleans your glasses and returns them to their places behind the bar, he finds no sense of falsification coming from the Gnome. It seems that Glowkindle has truthfully told you all the information he knows, and was only worried you’d hear about the giant rats and change your minds about lending your help. But Emmaline gives a rousing speech, and your party of new adventurers know you’re capable of handling the challenge.
With that, Glowkindle guides the group to the brewery’s cellar. The entrance is a large wooden hatch in the center of the building, which the Gnome lifts open with a bit of a struggle. Beyond the entrance in the floor, a wooden staircase descends underground and into darkness. Glowkindle stands on the other side of the hatch, wringing his hands together nervously and trying to match the bravery of all of you while he avoids looking down into the cellar. “Ah, best of luck to you, friends. Will you need torches? It’s, uh, rather dark down there.” He looks up at the party with wide eyes and a timid smile. “Thank you, again.”
Emmaline smiles at Glowkindle regarding his offer of a torch. "That would be much appreciated. Thank you kindly."
She then turns her attention to the hatch, using her Divine Sense to see if she can detect any celestial, fiend, or undead within her sense's 60' range.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Izore looks around as the group makes it to the cellar. Glowkindle's nervousness doesn't affect her, after all, being only eighteen years of age does come with some perks like feeling invincible, even in the face of uncertainty. And everything the gnome has told them, makes her feel far from uncertain either. It's just some rats...
"No need for a torch for me", she replies.
The half-elf cocks her head to the side, her loose blond hair falling over the shoulder, as she observes the entrance that opens in the floor. She makes a step towards it and crouches just next to it, looking intently at the disappearing in the darkness stairs, trying to make anything from down there.
Perception: 8
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeran Dormaris - L2 Paladin on his way to Phandelver
As Vonbek approaches the cellar door, he places a reassuring hand on Glowkindle's shoulder, and tells the young gnome, "Do not fret young friend, we are here to help you". "I would do well to have use of one of your torches." Vonbek then sheds his cloak and asks Glowkindle if he could hang it somewhere out of the way. The barbarian flexes his muscles, and twirls his axe handle in his hand. He looks towards Fiselius, and replies to his question. "The only thing I know about rats is how to dispose of them", with that a smile crosses his face.
Vonbek starts down the stairs, axe in one hand and a torch in the other. He hears nothing but the echo of his footsteps and the sound of dirt and debris crunching, under his feet, on the stairs. He cautiously raises the torch to illuminate a small portion of the cellar. The cellar smells like the musty mines that his family worked for generations and reminds him of home and the life he lost. He shakes his head to clear it of memories, tightens his grip on the axe and looks around for any signs of the rats.
[[OOC: If, somehow, we had decided Glowkindle was some secret villain and had begun acting accordingly, where do you think that would've fallen on the Henderson scale? ;-) ]]
Fiselius thanks Gary and Izore for their compliments on negotiation. As others get ready to head out he readies himself in accord. He chuckles at Vonbeck's comment on disposing rats. "I suppose disposing them is the key thing to know." he smiles back and then takes a moment to collect his own thoughts vis-a-vis rats. As Glowkindle offers a torch he follows in the barbarian dwarf's steps and accepts a torch. He doesn't light it yet, but keeps it on hand.
Heading for a place towards the back of the group, he falls in line. "Anyone have a preference to lead on here?"
//added 1 torch to equipment
Nature: 15+3 = 18 //trying to think of what senses a giant rat may have; how well they may be able to see if dim light (thinking in terms of if 60ft darkvision would be more/less/equal to what a giant rat can see)
Emmaline lights her torch and takes her own look into the hatch, while still keeping her awareness open for whatever her Divine Sense might reveal.
Perception: 10
When she hears Fiselius's question, she looks to Vonbeck and says, "Friend Von, you seem the most familiar with the beasts. Would you feel comfortable leading us into the darkness?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
“Thought you’d never ask”, while giving Emmaline a genuine smile. Vonbek once again enters the cellar, this time continuing to the bottom. Once at the bottom he looks and listens for any sounds that could be from living creatures. When he is satisfied that there is no immediate danger, he signals for the others.
The wooden stairs creak beneath your footsteps as you descend into the darkness of the cellar, illuminated only by the torches that cast flickering shadows upon the dusty walls. The air is cool and dry, smelling of beer and damp fur. In the darkness that sprawls before you, you can hear the scrabbling sound of claws upon floorboards, and a faint squeaking.
The cellar is filled with stacks of barrels and casks of ale, forming a near maze in the dark underground. The only clear area is towards the far wall, where the wooden floorboards give way to packed dirt littered with stones and workman’s tools. There, within the wall, yawns a hole in the darkness like an open maw, about the height of Garith and Vonbek.
Emmaline casts her Divine Sense into the darkness, but doesn’t detect any otherworldly or undead creatures. The only animals within the cellar are the giant rats, which the party of adventurers can sense lurking behind barrels and in the shadows. Fiselius, pondering upon his knowledge of the rodent beasts, recalls that the rats have Darkvision and keen senses of smell.
It is with those gleaming black eyes in the darkness that the giant rats begin to emerge, large fangs glinting in the firelight from the torches. They’ve lost the sense of surprise on your party — but you didn’t have it to begin with. And with that, the giant rats ambush forward and attack. Everybody, go ahead and roll for initiative!
Izore, getting a bit distracted while looking at the building from the outside, hurries after the rest of her comrades when she realises the doors have been opened. Quickly, she catches up to the group, her eyes falling upon the gnome, standing in the doorway. A warm smile graces her lips as she acknowledges Glowkindle and steps gracefully over the threshold.
Walking after her fellow adventurers, the blond teenager looks around curiously and wide-eyed, never having stepped a foot in a brewery before. After all, she has barely passed eighteen years of age and her lack of experience in such places is probably obvious. As Glowkindle nervously rambles, offering ale to the group, Izore’s focus remains on the surroundings. She stares up at the high ceilings looming above and then down, observing quietly the hustling humans and halflings who work here. They all look well-dressed and busy and the half-elf thinks to herself that the business must be doing good.
Guided to a bar area, Izore finds herself a chair, her attention now honed on the gnome, ready to listen to what he has to say.
“Master Glowkindle, was there any inscription or writing upon those ancient ruins?”, she inquires, rubbing her neck thoughtfully. Her delicate eyebrows furrow with contemplation as she ponders the rest of the gnome’s words. “Have you managed to vanquish or capture any of these monstrous rats?”
She suddenly feels a thrill at the prospect of seeing one of the giant creatures with her own eyes but she tries to keep her composure. Perhaps that will help with ascertaining whether the payment that the gnome offered would be fair for the task.
Aeran Dormaris - L2 Paladin on his way to Phandelver
Vesna March - L1 Cleric in Etharis
DM The Missing Farmer
While the Wizard ponders on his knowledge of old ruins within the town, Glowkindle gets to work preparing glasses of water for the rest of the party. He appears just a bit disappointed that you won’t all try the ale he has to offer, but the Gnome supposes Vonbek makes a fair point — it’ll taste all the sweeter after their quest is complete. Meanwhile, Fiselius recalls the origin of the Wizard’s Towery Brewery’s name, an old tale he’d heard. It was built upon the ruins of an ancient wizard’s tower that used to exist on the site where this building now stands, and while the remnants of the arcane have disappeared above ground — perhaps below the dirt, where the cellar is, it still remains.
“Well, the workmen never did tell me how many rats escaped from behind the wall. They didn’t exactly, uh, stick around to find out,” Glowkindle says in response to Vonbek, letting out another nervous chuckle. “They didn’t battle the giant rats, they all just managed to escape with a few cuts and bruises, you see. And, well, I certainly haven’t gone down there myself since,” he continues, answering Izore’s questions now. “As such, I, ah, don’t quite know what’s in the cellar beyond our storage barrels, now that that old wall’s been uncovered. I’m not the brave sort like you are.” The Gnome’s gaze sweeps across each of you, giving the party an anxious smile.
(the economy in this setting functions just the same as explained in the Player’s Handbook, so 25gp is equivalent to about two and a half days’ worth of an aristocratic lifestyle! Fiselius can certainly try negotiating a higher reward, if he’d like)
Beginner DM & Barbarian
Fiselius listens as Glowkindle describes the rats and wall. "Hmm," he hums softly, "An unknown number of rats? Adds a risk factor to such a task. Plus, if I seem to recall this tavern stands on the site of an old wizard tower that used to be here. If that wall is, indeed, part of the tower who knows what may lurk behind?" He darts his eyes upwards in thought, "Might I suggest a slight negotiation on the 25gp? Perhaps to... 35gp?" He gives a hopeful smile. "Plus, if the wall is in fact part of the wizard tower, you may have just found yourself a pre-built beer cellar far larger than you were hoping for, already built free of charge. No doubt that will save on construction costs."
Persuasion: 5+2 = 7
//rolled in log
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Bel, Aarakocra Hunter Ranger, Friend Campaign
Screechirk, Aarakocra Light Cleric, Wages of Vice
Darath, Goliath Battlemaster, Into the Overlap
Draíocht, Wood Elf Moon Druid, Kholias
Eggo Lass, Drow GOOlock, 100 Dungeons
Drako, Dragonborn Tempest Cleric, Dragon of Icespire Peak
Phait, Mountain Dwarf Wild Magic Sorcerer, Shadowglass
Get rickrolled here. Listen to awesome music here. (selection 27, 4/23/24, One Voice)
“Oh!” Glowkindle squeaks in response to the Wizard’s negotiations. “Thirty-five gold each, yes, that’s no problem at all!” The Gnome gives the party another one of his nervous chuckles, wringing his small hands together and watching each of your expressions carefully. “So, ah, will you do it?” the brewery owner asks of the new adventurers.
Beginner DM & Barbarian
Emmaline stands tall and salutes. “T‘would be an honor, friend Glowkindle. Lead us to the vermin!”
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
He was quite quick to accept the 35gp. thinks Fiselius, I suppose I should've aimed higher. But a deal's a deal. He replies to Glowkindle, "I'm in." He turns to Emmaline and Gary, "Rats and possibly a wizard's tower. It's quite fortuitous for us to have a god-blessed endeavor with your presences." Speaking to Vonbek he adds, "Earlier you seemed to chuckle at the mention of rats. Might you have any particular ideas on how to proceed?"
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Bel, Aarakocra Hunter Ranger, Friend Campaign
Screechirk, Aarakocra Light Cleric, Wages of Vice
Darath, Goliath Battlemaster, Into the Overlap
Draíocht, Wood Elf Moon Druid, Kholias
Eggo Lass, Drow GOOlock, 100 Dungeons
Drako, Dragonborn Tempest Cleric, Dragon of Icespire Peak
Phait, Mountain Dwarf Wild Magic Sorcerer, Shadowglass
Get rickrolled here. Listen to awesome music here. (selection 27, 4/23/24, One Voice)
"Thank you for that most generous offer Glowkindle, please allow us a moment to discuss your offer amongst ourselves." Once out of earshot, Vonbek raises his suspicions of the tasks before them. "I have noticed that Glowkindle is rather apprehensive about our tasks, and seems to be in a great hurry for us to begin". "He easily raised the reward, for helping him, almost too easily, it makes me wonder if there is more to this adventure than he is telling us." "I am still willing to be part of this adventure, but I can't help feeling this is going to be no easy task."
Vonbek thinks to himself that they may have been brought here under false reasons. Could it be that these old ruins contain treasure guarded by these large rats? Or perhaps the rats are only the beginning.
Investigation roll: 8+1=9
As they make preparations to enter the basement, Emmaline addresses her companions (utilizing her "Inspiring Leader" feat), acknowledging, "Of course, it is possible we'll face more than rats down in this basement. What is this life of ours if not a endless game of chance and surprises... Am I right? But look at us. We are brave adventurers, every one. Each capable in their own right, but together, we are, beyond doubt, a force to be reckoned with... Be it rat or toad or something more sinister. The full strength of our potential as a team has yet to be discovered. I know we can handle whatever perils fate has in store for us...
"Because I do not believe we are as hapless victims of fate. Not this group." She looks around at each of the party members, landing finally with Gary. "I believe we were meant to find one and other. You do not need to share the faith of the Dawnbringer to understand what I mean." She smiles an earnest, friendly smile. "I know you can already feel it in your bones. From the moment we met. This group is something special. We compliment one and other. We share a common heart. Together, we can do amazing things. So, let's begin our journey together." Then, with a wide grin and a booming voice. "Let's kill some rats!"
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Fiselius nods along to Vonbek's concerns. "I too was not expecting the increase to 35gp to be so easy. So I share your thought that there may be more to this than we've seen so far, although I suspect it to be innocent ignorance as opposed to any deception. But a deal's a deal and I've got a family to provide for."
As Emmaline begins to speak he turns his attention to her. Though he hasn't known the paladin long, her confidence and conviction is infectious and he feels a sense of awe rising up in himself. He cannot help but smile with excitement and feel more than ready to welcome the challenges ahead with open arms and enthusiasm. As she finishes with the statement of killing rats he lifts up his staff in agreement and huzzah.
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Bel, Aarakocra Hunter Ranger, Friend Campaign
Screechirk, Aarakocra Light Cleric, Wages of Vice
Darath, Goliath Battlemaster, Into the Overlap
Draíocht, Wood Elf Moon Druid, Kholias
Eggo Lass, Drow GOOlock, 100 Dungeons
Drako, Dragonborn Tempest Cleric, Dragon of Icespire Peak
Phait, Mountain Dwarf Wild Magic Sorcerer, Shadowglass
Get rickrolled here. Listen to awesome music here. (selection 27, 4/23/24, One Voice)
Gary beams at the groups easy transition in to a solid party. “Well then I believe it’s high time to clean out your home!”
and to emmaline in whispered low tone ”well spoken miss Emmaline now that is how all paladins should rally im honor ta fight beside ya.”
to Fiselius “nice negotiatian needed someone like you on me past jobs!”
to Vonbek in low tones “aye tis odd but we’ll keep our eyes peeled and watch over each other an if he’s playing us dirty he’ll not like see our faces when we return.”
to Izore with a joking smile“ya know rat stews really not as bad as people make it out ta be a bit o seasoning really bring out the flavor.”
"Thirty five pieces of gold? Well, I should learn how to do that for future adventures!", thinks Izore impressed with the result of the exchange between the two gnomes. She smiles with appreciation to Fiselius when her gaze meets his.
"Thank you for your negotiation on everybody's behalf"
The speech that Emmaline holds, leaves the half-elf with great admiration and even greater enthusiasm and Izore chuckles at Gary's joke, fired up by the paladin's words.
"Let's get going then, shall we?", she jumps from her chair, ready to begin with the real part of this adventure.
Aeran Dormaris - L2 Paladin on his way to Phandelver
Vesna March - L1 Cleric in Etharis
DM The Missing Farmer
A relieved smile, full of gratitude, spreads its way across the small Gnome’s face as you each agree to take on the quest in turn. “Thank you, adventurers! Thank you very kindly! Yes, yes, of course,” the brewery owner squeaks while he begins to collect your glasses and wipe them clean, and the party gathers to speak amongst yourselves. The only one who remains to accept the quest is the Barbarian.
Vonbek studies the anxious Gnome while he relays his suspicions to the rest of you. As he inspects Glowkindle from afar, watching as the brewery owner cleans your glasses and returns them to their places behind the bar, he finds no sense of falsification coming from the Gnome. It seems that Glowkindle has truthfully told you all the information he knows, and was only worried you’d hear about the giant rats and change your minds about lending your help. But Emmaline gives a rousing speech, and your party of new adventurers know you’re capable of handling the challenge.
With that, Glowkindle guides the group to the brewery’s cellar. The entrance is a large wooden hatch in the center of the building, which the Gnome lifts open with a bit of a struggle. Beyond the entrance in the floor, a wooden staircase descends underground and into darkness. Glowkindle stands on the other side of the hatch, wringing his hands together nervously and trying to match the bravery of all of you while he avoids looking down into the cellar. “Ah, best of luck to you, friends. Will you need torches? It’s, uh, rather dark down there.” He looks up at the party with wide eyes and a timid smile. “Thank you, again.”
Beginner DM & Barbarian
Emmaline smiles at Glowkindle regarding his offer of a torch. "That would be much appreciated. Thank you kindly."
She then turns her attention to the hatch, using her Divine Sense to see if she can detect any celestial, fiend, or undead within her sense's 60' range.
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Izore looks around as the group makes it to the cellar. Glowkindle's nervousness doesn't affect her, after all, being only eighteen years of age does come with some perks like feeling invincible, even in the face of uncertainty. And everything the gnome has told them, makes her feel far from uncertain either. It's just some rats...
"No need for a torch for me", she replies.
The half-elf cocks her head to the side, her loose blond hair falling over the shoulder, as she observes the entrance that opens in the floor. She makes a step towards it and crouches just next to it, looking intently at the disappearing in the darkness stairs, trying to make anything from down there.
Perception: 8
Aeran Dormaris - L2 Paladin on his way to Phandelver
Vesna March - L1 Cleric in Etharis
DM The Missing Farmer
As Vonbek approaches the cellar door, he places a reassuring hand on Glowkindle's shoulder, and tells the young gnome, "Do not fret young friend, we are here to help you". "I would do well to have use of one of your torches." Vonbek then sheds his cloak and asks Glowkindle if he could hang it somewhere out of the way. The barbarian flexes his muscles, and twirls his axe handle in his hand. He looks towards Fiselius, and replies to his question. "The only thing I know about rats is how to dispose of them", with that a smile crosses his face.
Vonbek starts down the stairs, axe in one hand and a torch in the other. He hears nothing but the echo of his footsteps and the sound of dirt and debris crunching, under his feet, on the stairs. He cautiously raises the torch to illuminate a small portion of the cellar. The cellar smells like the musty mines that his family worked for generations and reminds him of home and the life he lost. He shakes his head to clear it of memories, tightens his grip on the axe and looks around for any signs of the rats.
Perception: 13
[[OOC: If, somehow, we had decided Glowkindle was some secret villain and had begun acting accordingly, where do you think that would've fallen on the Henderson scale? ;-) ]]
Fiselius thanks Gary and Izore for their compliments on negotiation. As others get ready to head out he readies himself in accord. He chuckles at Vonbeck's comment on disposing rats. "I suppose disposing them is the key thing to know." he smiles back and then takes a moment to collect his own thoughts vis-a-vis rats. As Glowkindle offers a torch he follows in the barbarian dwarf's steps and accepts a torch. He doesn't light it yet, but keeps it on hand.
Heading for a place towards the back of the group, he falls in line. "Anyone have a preference to lead on here?"
//added 1 torch to equipment
Nature: 15+3 = 18
//trying to think of what senses a giant rat may have; how well they may be able to see if dim light (thinking in terms of if 60ft darkvision would be more/less/equal to what a giant rat can see)
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Bel, Aarakocra Hunter Ranger, Friend Campaign
Screechirk, Aarakocra Light Cleric, Wages of Vice
Darath, Goliath Battlemaster, Into the Overlap
Draíocht, Wood Elf Moon Druid, Kholias
Eggo Lass, Drow GOOlock, 100 Dungeons
Drako, Dragonborn Tempest Cleric, Dragon of Icespire Peak
Phait, Mountain Dwarf Wild Magic Sorcerer, Shadowglass
Get rickrolled here. Listen to awesome music here. (selection 27, 4/23/24, One Voice)
Emmaline lights her torch and takes her own look into the hatch, while still keeping her awareness open for whatever her Divine Sense might reveal.
Perception: 10
When she hears Fiselius's question, she looks to Vonbeck and says, "Friend Von, you seem the most familiar with the beasts. Would you feel comfortable leading us into the darkness?"
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
“Thought you’d never ask”, while giving Emmaline a genuine smile. Vonbek once again enters the cellar, this time continuing to the bottom. Once at the bottom he looks and listens for any sounds that could be from living creatures. When he is satisfied that there is no immediate danger, he signals for the others.
perception =11
The wooden stairs creak beneath your footsteps as you descend into the darkness of the cellar, illuminated only by the torches that cast flickering shadows upon the dusty walls. The air is cool and dry, smelling of beer and damp fur. In the darkness that sprawls before you, you can hear the scrabbling sound of claws upon floorboards, and a faint squeaking.
The cellar is filled with stacks of barrels and casks of ale, forming a near maze in the dark underground. The only clear area is towards the far wall, where the wooden floorboards give way to packed dirt littered with stones and workman’s tools. There, within the wall, yawns a hole in the darkness like an open maw, about the height of Garith and Vonbek.
Emmaline casts her Divine Sense into the darkness, but doesn’t detect any otherworldly or undead creatures. The only animals within the cellar are the giant rats, which the party of adventurers can sense lurking behind barrels and in the shadows. Fiselius, pondering upon his knowledge of the rodent beasts, recalls that the rats have Darkvision and keen senses of smell.
It is with those gleaming black eyes in the darkness that the giant rats begin to emerge, large fangs glinting in the firelight from the torches. They’ve lost the sense of surprise on your party — but you didn’t have it to begin with. And with that, the giant rats ambush forward and attack. Everybody, go ahead and roll for initiative!
Beginner DM & Barbarian
Initiative: 10
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)