Thank you. You did not have to do that, but I really appreciate it. It seemed like every roll was against me.
When I wake up, I will cast Cure Wounds on myself (I was holding it back to cure the wagon driver if he needed it). I rolled a 12 and am back to full Hit Points. I am out of spell slots.
I don't know how much more time you want to spend with me today, so I am OK with thanking Gralden and talking to him a bit. I will recover my shield and mace. I will find a safe place to take a Long Rest.
I have spare the dying as a learned and prepared cantrip. As soon as I am able to get to my feet, I will kneel down next to each of the fallen and cast Spare the Dying on them. I can do this before healing myself if that is an option. I want to think of others before thinking of myself.
I have spare the dying as a learned and prepared cantrip. As soon as I am able to get to my feet, I will kneel down next to each of the fallen and cast Spare the Dying on them. I can do this before healing myself if that is an option. I want to think of others before thinking of myself.
Between your work with spells and Gralden's skill with medicine, all the victims of the goblin attack have been saved, some still dealing with severe injuries.
Gralden states, "We are headed to Evergreen Hollows. It's just a couple more days east through the Silverwood Forest. We would love to have you come along." Gralden's sincerity is evident by how earnest he looks to your answer.
Of course I escort Gralden and his companions to Evergreen Hollows, but before I do that, I need to understand the current situation. In our last communications, I think you were posting results at the same time I was posting instructions. First, what are the Hit Points of Brother Jayce and each of the wagon's occupants? Second, did my healing spell go toward Jayce or the victim who needed it the most? Third, I want to determine if Gralden is sincere in what he is telling me. I rolled a 12 on an INSIGHT check. Fourth, before we leave, I want to search the goblin's bodies. I made INVESTIGATION rolls of 9 on G1 and 6 on G2. FIfth, I think that I am out of spell slots, but I do have 2 potions of healing that I am willing to use on the victims.
Based on what you tell me, I will suggest to Gralden that we need to rest to get my strength back, even if it is only a SHORT REST.
Medicine checks to stabilize usually bring a dying character to 0 hp and change their status to no longer dying. In this case, Gralden managed to bring you up to 1 hp.
and each of the wagon's occupants?
Gralden the wagon master and porter. He works for the King's Council and performs missions to deliver people and goods to each of the settlements. Today, he is transporting a family of four to a large village called Everwood Hollow, located in the heart of the Silverwood Forest.
Garreth the father is a carpenter. The family was down on their luck and Garreth wasn't getting much work, so they heard that Everwood Hollow has a high demand for carpenters, being one of the fastest growing villages in the kingdom and with an abundant supply of wood from the forest, Garreth is moving his family to make their fortune.
Mara is the mother, a seamstress skilled in herbal remedies. She is also skilled in medicine and can help make healer kits.
Lina is a bright young girl who looks exactly like her mother.
Tomas is only seven years old but he is extremely curious and energetic
Gralden has 1/12 hp, Garreth has 1/8 hp, Mara has 1/8 hp, Lina has 1/4 hp, Tomas has 1/4 hp,
Second, did my healing spell go toward Jayce or the victim who needed it the most?
That's up to you. In the morning, you will have more healing as well and on the next day more healing again. On the third day, you will arrive at your destination
Third, I want to determine if Gralden is sincere in what he is telling me. I rolled a 12 on an INSIGHT check.
After taking the time to look at Gralden more closely, you can tell that he is what he says. Not only is he a fighter turned porter, but he has stories of the ancient war between the dwarves and the goblin tribes of the Darkwoods. The same war that created an alliance between the Kingdom of Vesper and the Undermountain Dwarves.
Gralden says, "I've lived a long life. Maybe even two or three. I remember being a happy worker, living deep under the mountain. But that seems so long ago, back before the war. Then I remember being a soldier and a fighter, but when the war ended, I didn't want to go back to working in the mines, so I lived among the humans, I remember taking my first bath, how strange. Now I like baths. You know, baths with water that is, not dirt baths. I changes, and I loved my new life. Eventually, I was drawn to the road and I bought my first wagon. That was probably ten wagons ago for me. I've been a wagon master for many years now and I don't regret a thing."
Fourth, before we leave, I want to search the goblin's bodies. I made INVESTIGATION rolls of 9 on G1 and 6 on G2.
Nothing to find but goblin gear
Goblin Gear (sell back 40%) 2x Leather Armor (8 gp) 2x Shield (8 gp) 2x Scimitar (20 gp) 2x Shortbow (20 gp) 14x arrows (black feathers, 0 gp value) total 56 gp
FIfth, I think that I am out of spell slots, but I do have 2 potions of healing that I am willing to use on the victims.
That's up to you. The passengers are hardy and with the mother's skill at herbs, you are able to make one healing kit which has the potential to heal hitpoints if you have a certain feat but otherwise is only good to stabilize the dying but also band aids make boo-boos feel better.
Based on what you tell me, I will suggest to Gralden that we need to rest to get my strength back, even if it is only a SHORT REST.
Gralden agrees. He urges the group to gather the goblins, if not to sell for bounties at least to save as evidence. Then to travel to a less exposed spot on the road and fortify and make camp for the night.
With the wagon pulled off the road, the last rays of sunlight cast a long shadow where Gralden and the other build a campfire and setup bed rolls for the night. Gralden offers to tell stories of his time in the Orc Wars but Mara asks that he instead recalls all the places in the kingdom that he's visited.
Between Gralden, Jayce, and Garreth, you sleep in rounds and morning comes without incident.
Yes. In the morning you have all your spell slots back and you have all your short rest hit dice back and you have healed all damage. So has the NPCs, they are fully restored as well.
Regain all lost hitpoints
Regain all spent healing hit dice
Regain all short rest and long rest powers
Regain all spell slots
As of this morning, what are the hit points of Jayce, Gralden and each of the family members?
Jayce 11/11 Gralden 12/12 Garreth 8/8 Mara 8/8 Lina 4/4 Tomas 4/4
As we travel along, I would like to sit up front in the wagon next to Gralden, talking with him while using my keen PERCEPTION to look out for danger.
You travel in the co-pilot seat for the remainder of the trip and you get to know Gralden a little better. No further attacks and you reach Everwood Hollow two days later.
The trip takes you deep into lush roadways of the Silverwood Forest. When Everwood Hollow comes into view, it's a large beautiful town with log cabins and tree houses 20 feet off the ground.
"Welcome to Evergreen Hollow. I'm Marshal Thorne. I'm the law in this town." He chuckles as he leads you into the town square, a round pond surrounded by beautiful white stones. He takes you to a yellow pine building with green painted shudders. "Gralden, I remember you but who are these people you have brought with you? Any of you would like to register as permanent guests? We help out new settlers by finding them lodging and getting them setup."
Garreth explains his family's situation and Thorne has them processed as others help them move their luggage and gear.
Marshal Thorne turns to Jayce and says, "So how about you? Are you just visiting or do you plan to stay?"
Before my conversation with Marshal Thorne, I pull Garreth over to the side and put 20gp in his hand. "This is to help you and your family to get started on your new life", says Jayce. If he objects, I tell him, "Well then, If you are as good as a carpenter as you say, then I will need a good chair soon. Consider this as a down payment". I will smile and walk away before any more objections. I will tell the rest of the family goodbye and fare well, and bless them with Helm's Light.
I will also thank Gralden, again, for assisting me back there. I assume that Gralden will talk to Thorne about the goblins...If not, I will. I do not want any of their equipment.
Back to Thorne, "I think I am just visiting. I will need some provisions while I am here...foodstuffs and potions, if you have them. Also, what churches or shrines to you have here?"
Before my conversation with Marshal Thorne, I pull Garreth over to the side and put 20gp in his hand. "This is to help you and your family to get started on your new life", says Jayce. If he objects, I tell him, "Well then, If you are as good as a carpenter as you say, then I will need a good chair soon. Consider this as a down payment". I will smile and walk away before any more objections. I will tell the rest of the family goodbye and fare well, and bless them with Helm's Light.
Garreth happily takes the small pouch of coins. "Helms be praised" he says, not quite getting the wording of the prayer correct. "I'll make you 20 chairs with this down payment."
I will also thank Gralden, again, for assisting me back there. I assume that Gralden will talk to Thorne about the goblins...If not, I will. I do not want any of their equipment.
Then you can both discuss the goblins together
Back to Thorne, "I think I am just visiting. I will need some provisions while I am here...foodstuffs and potions, if you have them. Also, what churches or shrines to you have here?"
"Here in Silverwood, we worship the forest gods, and you will find druids and priest for Silvanas, Chauntea, and Selune, but we have no temples, save a small stone alter where travelers like yourself can venerate your own deities, all are welcome to worship at that shrine and we keep it clean and manicured because we respect all faiths and honor them, even ones that don't honor us.
Gralden and Jayce tell the Marshal about the encounter with the goblins and show him their bodies. "Where do you want them?", asks Jayce.
After our conversation with the Marshal, Jayce will tell Gralden that Jayce is on a Quest for a Quest, and is looking to prove himself. Jayce will then excuse himself to go exploring the town. I want to buy 2 weeks of rations and 2 more potions of healing (if I can get them). I also want to find a message board in town that would post any jobs for adventurers. I would also like to check in at the local tavern to speak with the barkeep to get any juicy bits of gossip. I will also find time to visit the small stone altar that Marshal Thorne told me about and pray to Helm.
SPECIAL NOTE TO DM; I am really appreciative of the time you are taking for myself and the others. I know you have a family, as do I, and they come first. If you ever feel like I am posting too much, or if you want to put a cap on time or posts, I will understand...please let me know. I know your time is valuable, so I thought I would post a series of instructions, like I have been, in order to save time. Thanks again.
Gralden and Jayce tell the Marshal about the encounter with the goblins and show him their bodies. "Where do you want them?", asks Jayce.
Goblins, we haven't seen goblins in the silverwood forest for decades. And you said they attacked you on the road. How strange. I guess we can use their weapons and armor for raw materials, I'll give you 50 gp for the lot.
Jayce will then excuse himself to go exploring the town. I want to buy 2 weeks of rations and 2 more potions of healing (if I can get them).
You visit Arwenna Brightleaf in her alchemy shop, asking about potions and she overhears your tale of goblins on the road. "That is quite the tale," she says, her voice calm and measured. "I know this can seem quite morbid but I'm interested in obtaining those goblin cadavers. Their lymphs and glands could indeed provide unique properties for me to make new potions. It’s rare to come across such specimens, since the treaty and I have some ancient texts that talk about harnessing goblins for special brews."
You secure the naked bodies of the two goblins and deliver them to Arwenna to her delight. She pays you in potions.
I also want to find a message board in town that would post any jobs for adventurers. I would also like to check in at the local tavern to speak with the barkeep to get any juicy bits of gossip.
You find the message board in the local meeting hall, a place called the Whispering Grove, a beautifully crafted, elven-inspired haven, unlike the typical rowdy feasthalls found elsewhere.
Inside you are met with the soothing aroma of exotic spices and the delicate wafts of hookah smoke that fill the air. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, a place where stories are shared and bonds are formed in a tranquil setting. Softly glowing luminescent flowers create an inviting glow, and the gentle sound of a nearby indoor stream adds to the serene atmosphere. Patrons lounge on comfortable cushions around low, intricately carved tables, sometimes the tables are growing out of the hollowed out tree which encompasses the entire place.
The current owner Borik Stonefoot, a gruff and burly dwarf, is not as enamored with the serene ambiance. Borik, a seasoned adventurer turned reluctant tavern keeper, finds himself housesitting the place for his elven friend who is away on a spiritual retreat. Used to the more boisterous and energetic atmosphere of typical dwarven taverns, Borik is slightly annoyed by the calmness and is stumped as to why people like it so much.
Borik responds to your inquiry about the message board. "Tis over here. As you can see it's closed. A chapter house of Black Fangs, mercenary gang, moved into Evergreen Hollow a few months back and ever since there have been no new quests or mission postings. I can't say it's because the Black Fangs are so good at what they do, rather people dislike them, they are mean and prideful, but more importantly, they're lazy. But, I guess they do help out from time to time.
You are also able to purchase delicious dried nuts, berries, and salmon jerky from the forest stream, enough for 14 days worth of rations. This would normally cost you 7 gp but they give it to you at a discount, only 4 gp. Borik says, "I like your style. Keep up the good work and I'll serve you the best damn military rations I've ever had the pleasure of making. Back in my day rations tasted like tree bark and we liked it that way.
Purchased 4 gp 14x daily rations
I will also find time to visit the small stone altar that Marshal Thorne told me about and pray to Helm.
Off the main path of rainbow colored cobbles you find a beautifully adorned alter built at the top of stone stairs that seem to lead nowhere.
Next to the alter is a suit of armor that's been filled with wooden planks so that it can be propped upright. Upon further inspection, you find that it's a set of mirrored half plate armor. Etched in the armor is a gold-bronze inlay of the holy symbol of Helm.
After our conversation with the Marshal, Jayce will tell Gralden that Jayce is on a Quest for a Quest, and is looking to prove himself.
Turning up empty handed after visiting the "tavern", Jayce mentions his desire for questing to the Marshal and he pulls you aside to speak privately. "Shadows in the woods. People have been seeing them, when they go deeper into the Silverwood forest to gather mushrooms or hunting, sometimes they see these dark figures that disappear. I've never seen one myself, but enough people have seen these things that it's got me worried. We've told them Black Fangs but they don't seem to care. If you can, go deeper into the forest and try to find some shadows. Really if you do anything, it's better than what's being done now."
SPECIAL NOTE TO DM; I am really appreciative of the time you are taking for myself and the others. I know you have a family, as do I, and they come first. If you ever feel like I am posting too much, or if you want to put a cap on time or posts, I will understand...please let me know. I know your time is valuable, so I thought I would post a series of instructions, like I have been, in order to save time. Thanks again.
I don't know how many times I look at my phone each day and wonder why I can't roll dice. This way, if I catch someone posting, I can just [roll.] roll some dice and I have a good time with it.
Don't worry, I get pulled away from pbp plenty and that's what I like about this format the most, I can go absent or silent for 24+ hours and then just jump back in.
One more DM note, I tend to craft combat encounters with deadly XP budgets at 100%-250%, meaning that all my combats exceed recommended limits. But I also try to reduce the number of monsters to balance, especially for solo players. This will change if you pick up a companion, but I would rather a spellcaster blow through all their spells in one combat and then long rest before the next combat rather than plan encounters so that spellcasters can evenly measure out their powers and resources. So as long as you are prepared to "break the bank" each combat, I'm happy to keep throwing extremely difficult combats with high risk and higher rewards. I'm happy to also scale down combats and start handing out milestone XP, but I prefer to push to the limits, sadly even if PC die. I just want to get into leveling and exploring your character's journey and arch
Goblins, we haven't seen goblins in the silverwood forest for decades. And you said they attacked you on the road. How strange. I guess we can use their weapons and armor for raw materials, I'll give you 50 gp for the lot.
Unless Gralden wants them, I say we sell the goblin's equipment and split the proceeds 50/50 between Gralden and myself.
You visit Arwenna Brightleaf in her alchemy shop, asking about potions and she overhears your tale of goblins on the road. "That is quite the tale," she says, her voice calm and measured. "I know this can seem quite morbid but I'm interested in obtaining those goblin cadavers. Their lymphs and glands could indeed provide unique properties for me to make new potions. It’s rare to come across such specimens, since the treaty and I have some ancient texts that talk about harnessing goblins for special brews."
Jayce tells Arweena, I will be back with the cadavers. I search for Gralden to see if hasn't disposed of the bodies yet. If he hasn't, I will ask him to accompany me and head back to Arwenna's shop. "How many potions of healing can I get for these?", Jayce asks. "Can I get at least 4 potions of healing for these two cadavers?" "Gralden, do you need anything?"
While talking to Borik, I will ask him when his elven friend is expected back and if he would be interested in joining me on my "Quest for a Quest".
Next to the alter is a suit of armor that's been filled with wooden planks so that it can be propped upright. Upon further inspection, you find that it's a set of mirrored half plate armor. Etched in the armor is a gold-bronze inlay of the holy symbol of Helm.
After visiting the small stone altar, I kneel down in front of the beautiful armor in front of me. "Helm be praised! Thank you, oh Great Helm for providing for your faithful servant. I will use your gift well to do thy bidding!". I discard my Scale Mail and don this beautiful armor. I fill my old Scale Mail with the wooden planks and prop it up-right in the same position that I found the Half Plate. I will pray for 10 minutes and then leave.
Turning up empty handed after visiting the "tavern", Jayce mentions his desire for questing to the Marshal and he pulls you aside to speak privately. "Shadows in the woods. People have been seeing them, when they go deeper into the Silverwood forest to gather mushrooms or hunting, sometimes they see these dark figures that disappear. I've never seen one myself, but enough people have seen these things that it's got me worried. We've told them Black Fangs but they don't seem to care. If you can, go deeper into the forest and try to find some shadows. Really if you do anything, it's better than what's being done now."
I will accept the Quest to find out what is going on in Silverwood Forest. I will ask the Marshal if he knows of any other capable adventurers who would like to join me? Whether I go by myself or with another (others), I will head into Silverwood Forest. Along the way, I will ask the random townspeople if they had seen any of the shadows, and if so, where? I will go where they guide me.
OK. It is my understanding that I will add 1 Half Plate Armor and lose 1 Scale Mail Armor. I will gain 25 gp for the Goblin Equipment, 14 rations, and 4 Potions of Healing and have added them to my character sheet. If I need to make any adjustments, please let me know.
>> Unless Gralden wants them, I say we sell the goblin's equipment and split the proceeds 50/50 between Gralden and myself. You gain 25 gp
>> Jayce tells Arweena, I will be back with the cadavers. I search for Gralden to see if hasn't disposed of the bodies yet. If he hasn't, I will ask him to accompany me and head back to Arwenna's shop. "How many potions of healing can I get for these?", Jayce asks. "Can I get at least 4 potions of healing for these two cadavers?" "Gralden, do you need anything?" She will sell them to you for 40 gp each (hero discount)
>> While talking to Borik, I will ask him when his elven friend is expected back and if he would be interested in joining me on my "Quest for a Quest". "Who knows when. I wish I could leave this nonsense and go on a quest but there be too many dishes and the chores. Too much to do."
>> I discard my Scale Mail and don this beautiful armor. Thorne sees you wearing the armor and says, "Say, did you find that up at the alter. It used to belong to Thaddeus. He told me that he used to be known as the Paladin Brightshine. No it was Brightblind. I think it might have been Brightshield, yes that sounds right. Yeah, I remember the guy. Sir Thaddeus, he was knighted, you know. He told me that he served for decades but then he retired here in Evergreen Hollow. Despite his retirement, he continued to live by his code, aiding the villagers with his wisdom and offering guidance to those in need. He propped that armor next to the altar and prayed to it daily."
Thorne looks at Jayce's shield, "That's his symbol right? You worship the same god as Thaddeus? Well he passed away peacefully in his sleep last year but I'm sure his spirit lives on. We don't have anyone who wears that kind of armor around here so I don't see why you can't have it."
I will ask the Marshal if he knows of any other capable adventurers who would like to join me?
If you want a companion, I can roll one up for you or you can roll one up and I will give it my seal of approval. All companions use the same character creation rules with the same wealth but the downside is shared XP.
Along the way, I will ask the random townspeople if they had seen any of the shadows, and if so, where? I will go where they guide me.
You ask several townspeople, including Borik and Arwenna but none of them have heard of shadow sightings.
OK. It is my understanding that I will add 1 Half Plate Armor and lose 1 Scale Mail Armor. I will gain 25 gp for the Goblin Equipment, 14 rations, and 4 Potions of Healing and have added them to my character sheet. If I need to make any adjustments, please let me know.
I will leave Everwood Hallow and venture into the Silverwood Forest
You must make several rolls, looking for clues in the woods, investigating with little or nothing to go on but some loose rumors.
Feel free to take a quick break and make a companion (or two or three) I'll RP their way into the story, but it's up to you. I will provide companions from time to time but also give you the opportunity to go it alone. BTW, Gralden has stats and is a level 1 fighter with +2 dex and a heavy crossbow and 12 hp.
three perception checks, DC 10, 13, 15 three investigation checks, DC 10, 13, 15 three survival checks, DC 10, 13, 15
Yeah, I would prefer not to go alone after the Goblin fiasco. CORRECTION. Instead of leaving Everwood Hallow, I would like to ask Gralden to accompany me and I will also look around town for opportunities to make another companion.
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Thank you. You did not have to do that, but I really appreciate it. It seemed like every roll was against me.
When I wake up, I will cast Cure Wounds on myself (I was holding it back to cure the wagon driver if he needed it). I rolled a 12 and am back to full Hit Points. I am out of spell slots.
I don't know how much more time you want to spend with me today, so I am OK with thanking Gralden and talking to him a bit. I will recover my shield and mace. I will find a safe place to take a Long Rest.
Thanks again.
I have spare the dying as a learned and prepared cantrip. As soon as I am able to get to my feet, I will kneel down next to each of the fallen and cast Spare the Dying on them. I can do this before healing myself if that is an option. I want to think of others before thinking of myself.
Between your work with spells and Gralden's skill with medicine, all the victims of the goblin attack have been saved, some still dealing with severe injuries.
Gralden states, "We are headed to Evergreen Hollows. It's just a couple more days east through the Silverwood Forest. We would love to have you come along." Gralden's sincerity is evident by how earnest he looks to your answer.
Of course I escort Gralden and his companions to Evergreen Hollows, but before I do that, I need to understand the current situation. In our last communications, I think you were posting results at the same time I was posting instructions. First, what are the Hit Points of Brother Jayce and each of the wagon's occupants? Second, did my healing spell go toward Jayce or the victim who needed it the most? Third, I want to determine if Gralden is sincere in what he is telling me. I rolled a 12 on an INSIGHT check. Fourth, before we leave, I want to search the goblin's bodies. I made INVESTIGATION rolls of 9 on G1 and 6 on G2. FIfth, I think that I am out of spell slots, but I do have 2 potions of healing that I am willing to use on the victims.
Based on what you tell me, I will suggest to Gralden that we need to rest to get my strength back, even if it is only a SHORT REST.
Medicine checks to stabilize usually bring a dying character to 0 hp and change their status to no longer dying. In this case, Gralden managed to bring you up to 1 hp.
Gralden the wagon master and porter. He works for the King's Council and performs missions to deliver people and goods to each of the settlements. Today, he is transporting a family of four to a large village called Everwood Hollow, located in the heart of the Silverwood Forest.
Garreth the father is a carpenter. The family was down on their luck and Garreth wasn't getting much work, so they heard that Everwood Hollow has a high demand for carpenters, being one of the fastest growing villages in the kingdom and with an abundant supply of wood from the forest, Garreth is moving his family to make their fortune.
Mara is the mother, a seamstress skilled in herbal remedies. She is also skilled in medicine and can help make healer kits.
Lina is a bright young girl who looks exactly like her mother.
Tomas is only seven years old but he is extremely curious and energetic
Gralden has 1/12 hp,
Garreth has 1/8 hp,
Mara has 1/8 hp,
Lina has 1/4 hp,
Tomas has 1/4 hp,
That's up to you. In the morning, you will have more healing as well and on the next day more healing again. On the third day, you will arrive at your destination
After taking the time to look at Gralden more closely, you can tell that he is what he says. Not only is he a fighter turned porter, but he has stories of the ancient war between the dwarves and the goblin tribes of the Darkwoods. The same war that created an alliance between the Kingdom of Vesper and the Undermountain Dwarves.
Gralden says, "I've lived a long life. Maybe even two or three. I remember being a happy worker, living deep under the mountain. But that seems so long ago, back before the war. Then I remember being a soldier and a fighter, but when the war ended, I didn't want to go back to working in the mines, so I lived among the humans, I remember taking my first bath, how strange. Now I like baths. You know, baths with water that is, not dirt baths. I changes, and I loved my new life. Eventually, I was drawn to the road and I bought my first wagon. That was probably ten wagons ago for me. I've been a wagon master for many years now and I don't regret a thing."
Nothing to find but goblin gear
Goblin Gear (sell back 40%)
2x Leather Armor (8 gp)
2x Shield (8 gp)
2x Scimitar (20 gp)
2x Shortbow (20 gp)
14x arrows (black feathers, 0 gp value)
total 56 gp
That's up to you. The passengers are hardy and with the mother's skill at herbs, you are able to make one healing kit which has the potential to heal hitpoints if you have a certain feat but otherwise is only good to stabilize the dying but also band aids make boo-boos feel better.
Gralden agrees. He urges the group to gather the goblins, if not to sell for bounties at least to save as evidence. Then to travel to a less exposed spot on the road and fortify and make camp for the night.
With the wagon pulled off the road, the last rays of sunlight cast a long shadow where Gralden and the other build a campfire and setup bed rolls for the night. Gralden offers to tell stories of his time in the Orc Wars but Mara asks that he instead recalls all the places in the kingdom that he's visited.
Between Gralden, Jayce, and Garreth, you sleep in rounds and morning comes without incident.
Thank you. Was that considered a LONG REST (I would have liked it to have been) and do I have all of my hit points and spell slots back?
As of this morning, what are the hit points of Jayce, Gralden and each of the family members?
As we travel along, I would like to sit up front in the wagon next to Gralden, talking with him while using my keen PERCEPTION to look out for danger.
Yes. In the morning you have all your spell slots back and you have all your short rest hit dice back and you have healed all damage. So has the NPCs, they are fully restored as well.
Jayce 11/11
Gralden 12/12
Garreth 8/8
Mara 8/8
Lina 4/4
Tomas 4/4
You travel in the co-pilot seat for the remainder of the trip and you get to know Gralden a little better. No further attacks and you reach Everwood Hollow two days later.
The trip takes you deep into lush roadways of the Silverwood Forest. When Everwood Hollow comes into view, it's a large beautiful town with log cabins and tree houses 20 feet off the ground.
"Welcome to Evergreen Hollow. I'm Marshal Thorne. I'm the law in this town." He chuckles as he leads you into the town square, a round pond surrounded by beautiful white stones. He takes you to a yellow pine building with green painted shudders. "Gralden, I remember you but who are these people you have brought with you? Any of you would like to register as permanent guests? We help out new settlers by finding them lodging and getting them setup."
Garreth explains his family's situation and Thorne has them processed as others help them move their luggage and gear.
Marshal Thorne turns to Jayce and says, "So how about you? Are you just visiting or do you plan to stay?"
Before my conversation with Marshal Thorne, I pull Garreth over to the side and put 20gp in his hand. "This is to help you and your family to get started on your new life", says Jayce. If he objects, I tell him, "Well then, If you are as good as a carpenter as you say, then I will need a good chair soon. Consider this as a down payment". I will smile and walk away before any more objections. I will tell the rest of the family goodbye and fare well, and bless them with Helm's Light.
I will also thank Gralden, again, for assisting me back there. I assume that Gralden will talk to Thorne about the goblins...If not, I will. I do not want any of their equipment.
Back to Thorne, "I think I am just visiting. I will need some provisions while I am here...foodstuffs and potions, if you have them. Also, what churches or shrines to you have here?"
Garreth happily takes the small pouch of coins. "Helms be praised" he says, not quite getting the wording of the prayer correct. "I'll make you 20 chairs with this down payment."
Then you can both discuss the goblins together
"Here in Silverwood, we worship the forest gods, and you will find druids and priest for Silvanas, Chauntea, and Selune, but we have no temples, save a small stone alter where travelers like yourself can venerate your own deities, all are welcome to worship at that shrine and we keep it clean and manicured because we respect all faiths and honor them, even ones that don't honor us.
Gralden and Jayce tell the Marshal about the encounter with the goblins and show him their bodies. "Where do you want them?", asks Jayce.
After our conversation with the Marshal, Jayce will tell Gralden that Jayce is on a Quest for a Quest, and is looking to prove himself. Jayce will then excuse himself to go exploring the town. I want to buy 2 weeks of rations and 2 more potions of healing (if I can get them). I also want to find a message board in town that would post any jobs for adventurers. I would also like to check in at the local tavern to speak with the barkeep to get any juicy bits of gossip. I will also find time to visit the small stone altar that Marshal Thorne told me about and pray to Helm.
SPECIAL NOTE TO DM; I am really appreciative of the time you are taking for myself and the others. I know you have a family, as do I, and they come first. If you ever feel like I am posting too much, or if you want to put a cap on time or posts, I will understand...please let me know. I know your time is valuable, so I thought I would post a series of instructions, like I have been, in order to save time. Thanks again.
Goblins, we haven't seen goblins in the silverwood forest for decades. And you said they attacked you on the road. How strange. I guess we can use their weapons and armor for raw materials, I'll give you 50 gp for the lot.
You visit Arwenna Brightleaf in her alchemy shop, asking about potions and she overhears your tale of goblins on the road. "That is quite the tale," she says, her voice calm and measured. "I know this can seem quite morbid but I'm interested in obtaining those goblin cadavers. Their lymphs and glands could indeed provide unique properties for me to make new potions. It’s rare to come across such specimens, since the treaty and I have some ancient texts that talk about harnessing goblins for special brews."
You secure the naked bodies of the two goblins and deliver them to Arwenna to her delight. She pays you in potions.
Arwenna's Potions Reward
2x potion of healing
2x potion of heroism
You find the message board in the local meeting hall, a place called the Whispering Grove, a beautifully crafted, elven-inspired haven, unlike the typical rowdy feasthalls found elsewhere.
Inside you are met with the soothing aroma of exotic spices and the delicate wafts of hookah smoke that fill the air. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, a place where stories are shared and bonds are formed in a tranquil setting. Softly glowing luminescent flowers create an inviting glow, and the gentle sound of a nearby indoor stream adds to the serene atmosphere. Patrons lounge on comfortable cushions around low, intricately carved tables, sometimes the tables are growing out of the hollowed out tree which encompasses the entire place.
The current owner Borik Stonefoot, a gruff and burly dwarf, is not as enamored with the serene ambiance. Borik, a seasoned adventurer turned reluctant tavern keeper, finds himself housesitting the place for his elven friend who is away on a spiritual retreat. Used to the more boisterous and energetic atmosphere of typical dwarven taverns, Borik is slightly annoyed by the calmness and is stumped as to why people like it so much.
Borik responds to your inquiry about the message board. "Tis over here. As you can see it's closed. A chapter house of Black Fangs, mercenary gang, moved into Evergreen Hollow a few months back and ever since there have been no new quests or mission postings. I can't say it's because the Black Fangs are so good at what they do, rather people dislike them, they are mean and prideful, but more importantly, they're lazy. But, I guess they do help out from time to time.
You are also able to purchase delicious dried nuts, berries, and salmon jerky from the forest stream, enough for 14 days worth of rations. This would normally cost you 7 gp but they give it to you at a discount, only 4 gp. Borik says, "I like your style. Keep up the good work and I'll serve you the best damn military rations I've ever had the pleasure of making. Back in my day rations tasted like tree bark and we liked it that way.
Purchased 4 gp
14x daily rations
Off the main path of rainbow colored cobbles you find a beautifully adorned alter built at the top of stone stairs that seem to lead nowhere.

Next to the alter is a suit of armor that's been filled with wooden planks so that it can be propped upright. Upon further inspection, you find that it's a set of mirrored half plate armor. Etched in the armor is a gold-bronze inlay of the holy symbol of Helm.
Turning up empty handed after visiting the "tavern", Jayce mentions his desire for questing to the Marshal and he pulls you aside to speak privately. "Shadows in the woods. People have been seeing them, when they go deeper into the Silverwood forest to gather mushrooms or hunting, sometimes they see these dark figures that disappear. I've never seen one myself, but enough people have seen these things that it's got me worried. We've told them Black Fangs but they don't seem to care. If you can, go deeper into the forest and try to find some shadows. Really if you do anything, it's better than what's being done now."
I don't know how many times I look at my phone each day and wonder why I can't roll dice. This way, if I catch someone posting, I can just [roll.] roll some dice and I have a good time with it.
Don't worry, I get pulled away from pbp plenty and that's what I like about this format the most, I can go absent or silent for 24+ hours and then just jump back in.
One more DM note, I tend to craft combat encounters with deadly XP budgets at 100%-250%, meaning that all my combats exceed recommended limits. But I also try to reduce the number of monsters to balance, especially for solo players. This will change if you pick up a companion, but I would rather a spellcaster blow through all their spells in one combat and then long rest before the next combat rather than plan encounters so that spellcasters can evenly measure out their powers and resources. So as long as you are prepared to "break the bank" each combat, I'm happy to keep throwing extremely difficult combats with high risk and higher rewards. I'm happy to also scale down combats and start handing out milestone XP, but I prefer to push to the limits, sadly even if PC die. I just want to get into leveling and exploring your character's journey and arch
Evergreen Hollow (as imagined by AI)

Unless Gralden wants them, I say we sell the goblin's equipment and split the proceeds 50/50 between Gralden and myself.
Jayce tells Arweena, I will be back with the cadavers. I search for Gralden to see if hasn't disposed of the bodies yet. If he hasn't, I will ask him to accompany me and head back to Arwenna's shop. "How many potions of healing can I get for these?", Jayce asks. "Can I get at least 4 potions of healing for these two cadavers?" "Gralden, do you need anything?"
While talking to Borik, I will ask him when his elven friend is expected back and if he would be interested in joining me on my "Quest for a Quest".
After visiting the small stone altar, I kneel down in front of the beautiful armor in front of me. "Helm be praised! Thank you, oh Great Helm for providing for your faithful servant. I will use your gift well to do thy bidding!". I discard my Scale Mail and don this beautiful armor. I fill my old Scale Mail with the wooden planks and prop it up-right in the same position that I found the Half Plate. I will pray for 10 minutes and then leave.
I will accept the Quest to find out what is going on in Silverwood Forest. I will ask the Marshal if he knows of any other capable adventurers who would like to join me? Whether I go by myself or with another (others), I will head into Silverwood Forest. Along the way, I will ask the random townspeople if they had seen any of the shadows, and if so, where? I will go where they guide me.
OK. It is my understanding that I will add 1 Half Plate Armor and lose 1 Scale Mail Armor. I will gain 25 gp for the Goblin Equipment, 14 rations, and 4 Potions of Healing and have added them to my character sheet. If I need to make any adjustments, please let me know.
>> Unless Gralden wants them, I say we sell the goblin's equipment and split the proceeds 50/50 between Gralden and myself.
You gain 25 gp
>> Jayce tells Arweena, I will be back with the cadavers. I search for Gralden to see if hasn't disposed of the bodies yet. If he hasn't, I will ask him to accompany me and head back to Arwenna's shop. "How many potions of healing can I get for these?", Jayce asks. "Can I get at least 4 potions of healing for these two cadavers?" "Gralden, do you need anything?"
She will sell them to you for 40 gp each (hero discount)
>> While talking to Borik, I will ask him when his elven friend is expected back and if he would be interested in joining me on my "Quest for a Quest".
"Who knows when. I wish I could leave this nonsense and go on a quest but there be too many dishes and the chores. Too much to do."
>> I discard my Scale Mail and don this beautiful armor.
Thorne sees you wearing the armor and says, "Say, did you find that up at the alter. It used to belong to Thaddeus. He told me that he used to be known as the Paladin Brightshine. No it was Brightblind. I think it might have been Brightshield, yes that sounds right. Yeah, I remember the guy. Sir Thaddeus, he was knighted, you know. He told me that he served for decades but then he retired here in Evergreen Hollow. Despite his retirement, he continued to live by his code, aiding the villagers with his wisdom and offering guidance to those in need. He propped that armor next to the altar and prayed to it daily."
Thorne looks at Jayce's shield, "That's his symbol right? You worship the same god as Thaddeus? Well he passed away peacefully in his sleep last year but I'm sure his spirit lives on. We don't have anyone who wears that kind of armor around here so I don't see why you can't have it."
Brightshield's Armor Rewards
half plate armor
I understand. I buy 4 potions for a total of 160gp, and I have 6 now.
I will leave Everwood Hallow and venture into the Silverwood Forest
If you want a companion, I can roll one up for you or you can roll one up and I will give it my seal of approval. All companions use the same character creation rules with the same wealth but the downside is shared XP.
You ask several townspeople, including Borik and Arwenna but none of them have heard of shadow sightings.
Sounds good to me
You must make several rolls, looking for clues in the woods, investigating with little or nothing to go on but some loose rumors.
Feel free to take a quick break and make a companion (or two or three) I'll RP their way into the story, but it's up to you. I will provide companions from time to time but also give you the opportunity to go it alone. BTW, Gralden has stats and is a level 1 fighter with +2 dex and a heavy crossbow and 12 hp.
three perception checks, DC 10, 13, 15
three investigation checks, DC 10, 13, 15
three survival checks, DC 10, 13, 15
Yeah, I would prefer not to go alone after the Goblin fiasco. CORRECTION. Instead of leaving Everwood Hallow, I would like to ask Gralden to accompany me and I will also look around town for opportunities to make another companion.