Nyli grew up in a small hamlet on the Lake of Mists far to the East. Like most people in the area her parents were fisher-folk, and that was expected to be her path in life. One day, curious to know what lay beyond the local area she volunteered to travel with one of the trader caravans that took smoked fish to places like Rashemen and Murghom. Enthralled by what she had seen on the way, she left the caravan and continued to travel.She's now heading to Phandalin, acting as a guide/guard to pay her way.
Nyli is a fair haired gnome, youthful looking and well tanned from a life spent travelling. She is free-spirited, but not to the point of being rude, or unreliable. Physically she looks like most gnomes, short and slim, but when you look closer she looks different somehow. You realise that her attire looks normal, but at the same time looks unusual. The same with her features, she manages to look like just another gnome whilst also not looking like any other gnome you know. Noticing your attention she makes a point of rolling her eyes before she speaks. âYes, Iâm a gnomeâ she says in a very unusual accent. âand yes, I look different; and yes I sound different; and yes Iâm not from around here.â
âBut donât let it bother youâ she laughs âI donâtâ
She gives a little wave and smiles âIâm Nyli, nice to meet you.â
As the group travels Nyli alternates between scouting ahead and riding in the wagon. She frequently digs a large book out of her pack and makes notes when she sees something interesting. She is quite outgoing and more than happy to talk about her journey, showing sketches from her book, and a map of her travels.
Nyli is clever, inventive but terrible with plans. "I keep telling people, if there's a plan I'll forget it, but do they listen? Nooo, they just go right ahead and make a plan and expect me to remember it"
Vasha sits calmly atop the wagon, reins loosely held in one hand as the oxen plod along the dusty trail. His other hand rests on the hilt of a large, well-worn greatsword sitting in his lap, its weight a familiar comfort. Dressed in simple, practical clothingâ a dark tunic, with a cloak draped across his shouldersâVasha blends into the landscape, just another figure in a rough world. His deep tan skin catches the occasional ray of sunlight, and his sharp, brown eyes hold a quiet, thoughtful expression. Despite the potential dangers of the journey, his demeanor remains calm and composed, his presence unobtrusive.
Vasha scans the horizon with a careful eye, ever mindful of the bandits and outlaws that might lurk along the Triboar Trail. Though he doesnât speak much, when he does converse with his companions, his voice is smooth and melodic, his words polite and deliberate. Thereâs a natural ease to his manner, a quiet confidence that comes from years of navigating the shadows of Neverwinter. He is alert, yet not tense, understanding that the best way to handle danger is to be prepared, not paranoid.
He adjusts the reins, urging the oxen forward with a gentle command, his grip firm but relaxed. The Sword Mountains loom in the distance, a reminder of how far theyâve come from Neverwinter. He breathes in deeply, the scent of pine and earth filling his lungs, grounding him in the moment. This is just another jobâanother stretch of road to travel, another task to complete. Yet, thereâs a part of him that remains ever-watchful, aware that even the most routine assignments can turn in an instant. Still, he remains composed, ready to guide the wagon forward through whatever might come their way.
Chase Kragen a typical looking dwarven male. About five foot two hundred pounds dressed in chain carrying a shield emblazoned with a holy emblem of a little known dwarven deity a warhammer in hand and a sack tied across his back. His bushy red mane of hair makes him easy to spot. For most of the departure from Neverwinter heâs been silent, deep in thought. But as the trip progresses he regularly ranges ahead hoping to forage a meal or two⊠(survival 12 with guidance)
As he returns to the wagon perhaps with a handful of berries/mushrooms/or nuts, he introduces himself, âSo Gundren offered a fist a coins to each of us Iâm guessing. Perty generous of âim. What ah sorta skills yâall providing. I myself got some Godly healing should it be necessary an a bit of protections to boot. My name is Chase Kragen.â He munches whatever he foraged and gets a look at everyone.
John a young man of 20 summers of average height and build. His arms and armor hints at his time as a Neverwinter town guard. After his decision to not reenlist with the guard after his contact expired he was excited to find his first job as an adventurer. His excitement however seem expired as this job felt like his previous, alot of watching and no action.
As a wall guard and scout he does what he knows. During the journey so far he has been taking his turn scouting ahead, spending the rest of the time sitting on the aft of the wagon keeping his eyes on the trail behind. At random times he hops off the wagon and hides seeing if the group is followed.
During the day he is silent 100% focused on his watch. At night when he is not on guard he integrates everyone. His tale he has already told everyone, even if no one asked. His story is summerizes: he is a third generation soldier both his father and his father were crossbow men. His train started the day he could lift and aim the cumbersome contraption. In the guard he was a scout primary but never did more then patrol the surrounding forests and never saw action. Now an adventurer he is chopping at the bit to shoot his bow in anger maybe a little recklessly so.
"Nice to meet you Chase. I'm John Hawkins scout and a deadly shoot with my bow." John pats the crossbow on his lap.
"Skills? Well I'm quite good at travelling, and talking" she grins "but I'm also very good at not being seen when I need to."
"I also seem to be able to open things that should be locked." Nyli suddenly looks embarrassed "I don't mean that like it sounds" she looks flustered "I mean like doors!" "Not all doors! I mean like barn doors or stables or things! When it's raining and I need shelter."
Looking decidedly red in the face she retreats into a corner of the cart "I'm going to stop talking now. Just ignore what I said"
âDonât feel bad,â says Vasha, glancing over his shoulder at the odd little gnome girl. âI mostly just knock heads together,â he adds, looking down, a note of regret in his soft tone. âItâs not something Iâm proud of, but it pays the bills.â
Dunkin Netminder, a stout halfling, keeps pace with the wagon at its left rear corner. From this vantage he can scan the road ahead, and to each side. This also gives him the time and space to contemplate how he got here and his new companions. He never intended to start a riot, but the merchants and guilds from Waterdeep just couldn't stay out of the fishing grounds between Fireshear and Luskan; nor could they stop themselves from undercutting prices on the hard working, local fisherman there. So he'd argued and protested, eventually knocking-out a merchant who'd had the gall to suggest the Waterdeep fleets had every right to be there. Of course, the merchant's friends returned for revenge, but Dunkin had been saved by a large group of surly Fireshear fisherman.
"You'd better lay low for awhile," his brother had said. "I here'd of a dwarf askin' for help movin' some gear to Neverwinter. Why'nt ya' go, use 'dem druidic powers of yours, and get off the water for a while?" It was a good idea, so he'd looked up Gundren and offered his services.
He was less sure about his new companions. The all seemed to be focused on giving their best, and using their unique talents to benefit the group. Could he trust them? "Only one way to find out", he thought as he overheard Nyli's last remark.
"I agree, Chase. I think it's always good to know the skills one brings to the group. I've got a few cantrips and a spell up my sleeve that might help us if the road gets rough. Learned 'em from my Ma." Dunkin turned to Nyli.
"Hey, Nyli, I here'd that last remark. If'n you're a lockpick, where'd ya learn that skill?"
Doldek appears ill-prepared for a journey along the Triboar Trail. The gnome is still outfitted in the vestments of the House of Knowledge, a white shirt with wide sleeves tied at the wrists, trousers, and a black vest adorned in symbols in gold braid. His shirt sleeves and pant cuffs have become thoroughly encased in mud. He now spends most of the day huddled in the back of the wagon reading his tomes. If one were to ask him if he would be able to find his way back to Neverwinter, his honest answer would be "I'm afraid that is unlikely." But these are important books that he's reading! Thorough volumes on the hazards of the Underdark, Dwarven engineering manuals, treatises on the Elemental Plane of earth. His conversation with Gundren had ignited a determination to revolutionize the use of Abjuration in mines and tunnels.
When asked about his group utility, Doldek confesses "My talents are unfortunately not optimized for traversing this wilderness. Although I do know a ritual that can alert us to any intruders that might come upon us while we sleep. And I have prepared an Enchantment that can incapacitate such intruders."
Nyli watches the other gnome, as he sits reading. After a while she moves slightly closer, trying to see what he's reading but can't quite make it out, although it looks kind of technical. As he moves to swap one book for another she speaks, "Are you really a gnome? I've never met a gnome who's so quiet. Where are you from? and how come you speak so differently? I mean I know I speak differently, but that's because I'm not from around here, but you speak way more cleverly than most of us. Did you grow up speaking like that, or did you learn it?" She suddenly stops, looking embarrassed "Sorry, too many questions. I'll leave you to your reading. Sorry."
She moves away slightly "Note to self, stop asking soooo many questions. Yes I know I've said that before" Nyli appears to be talking to herself.
As the gnomes read and ramble, typical gnome stuff as far as Vasha is concerned, he suddenly lets out a loud sneeze. Before he can catch his breath, four glowing orbs of light materialize, the Dancing Lights swirling around him playfully. He frowns, swatting at them as if they were pesky insects, but the lights continue to bob and weave around his head. With a resigned sigh, his shoulders slump, and he offers an apologetic glance to his companions. âSorry about that,â he mutters, his voice tinged with embarrassment. âThis happens sometimes. I donât really know why. Theyâll disappear in about a minute.â He watches the lights with a mix of irritation and resignation, hoping theyâll fade as quickly as they appeared.
Chase glowers up at Vasha, âDamned inconvenient under certain circumstances, thought you said you knock heads together for money. (Turns to John) John you have plenty of bolts for that launcher? This trails a fair ways from any sorta help, best weâre prepared for the worst.â
Chase only shakes his head at Nyliâs self discovery, and hurrumphs at Doldek all settled up in the wagon. âWe should be to Phandelin soon letâs hope we donât run into any trouble.â
"Aye. Don't ya worry, miss. No judgment here. I find gettin' things out on the table early helps on one of these things." He gestures at the caravan, eyes going wide at the glowing orbs surrounding Vasha. "That's some allergy, half-elf!"
OOC: Hope it's ok I'm using a similar dialogue color. It shows up so much better for me.
Chase, you find enough edible mushrooms, berries, and nuts for the equivalent of 2 rations or an afternoonâs supply of trail mix for the whole party.
The noon sun hangs overhead; youâve been on the Triboar Trail for about half a day. As you come around a bend, John is the first to spot two dead horses sprawled about fifty feet ahead of the wagon, blocking the path. Each has several black-feathered arrows sticking out of it. The woods press close to the trail here, with a steep embankment and dense thickets on either side.
Those who approach closer easily notice the following:
Youâve seen these horses before, just a few days ago in fact, being ridden by your mutual friend and employer, Gundren Rockseeker, and his bodyguard, Sildar Hallwinter.
The saddlebags have been looted. Nearby, a leather map case lies empty.
OOC:
Vasha, where do you stop the wagon? If for some reason you do not wish to stop, you will need to make a Wisdom or Dexterity (Land Vehicles) check (DC 15) to run over the horses.
See map below for reference (and please correct me if your character would be somewhere else):
For clarity, I would ask every player use a different color and reference their characterâs name somewhere in each post. Additionally, while I wonât require anyone to change their preferred style, I like to have âBold and double quotes in colorâ for speech and âitalics and single quotes in colorâ for thought. This style is what I will be using for the NPCs and monsters, when you meet them, with thisgreen unless Vedar or H20_Keeper would like to switch to that color (or anyone has trouble reading it).
Vasha pulls back on the reigns and brings the wagon to a halt as the dead horses come into view. âLooks like trouble,â he says, standing to get a better view.
'Right good place for an ambush', Dunkin thinks, 'probably waitin' for us'. Trying to keep his voice even to avoid being heard outside the party, Dunkin addresses John.
"Not sure we should be walkin' right in there, John. Why don't you and me scout our flanks? I can take the left side. That embankment don't look bad. Maybe we can flush 'em out."
Dunkin is correct about the embankment; it's not bad at all. Indeed, it would count as only 5 ft. of difficult terrain to climb or descend.
If any character actually does go searching for enemies, they may make a Wisdom (Perception) check.
More generally, if your character does something you feel calls for a skill check, go ahead and roll preemptively like HunterOrien did here. Worst case, I'll just ignore it.
Nyli grew up in a small hamlet on the Lake of Mists far to the East. Like most people in the area her parents were fisher-folk, and that was expected to be her path in life. One day, curious to know what lay beyond the local area she volunteered to travel with one of the trader caravans that took smoked fish to places like Rashemen and Murghom. Enthralled by what she had seen on the way, she left the caravan and continued to travel.She's now heading to Phandalin, acting as a guide/guard to pay her way.
Nyli is a fair haired gnome, youthful looking and well tanned from a life spent travelling. She is free-spirited, but not to the point of being rude, or unreliable.
Physically she looks like most gnomes, short and slim, but when you look closer she looks different somehow. You realise that her attire looks normal, but at the same time looks unusual. The same with her features, she manages to look like just another gnome whilst also not looking like any other gnome you know.
Noticing your attention she makes a point of rolling her eyes before she speaks.
âYes, Iâm a gnomeâ she says in a very unusual accent.
âand yes, I look different;
and yes I sound different;
and yes Iâm not from around here.â
âBut donât let it bother youâ she laughs âI donâtâ
She gives a little wave and smiles âIâm Nyli, nice to meet you.â
As the group travels Nyli alternates between scouting ahead and riding in the wagon. She frequently digs a large book out of her pack and makes notes when she sees something interesting. She is quite outgoing and more than happy to talk about her journey, showing sketches from her book, and a map of her travels.
Nyli is clever, inventive but terrible with plans. "I keep telling people, if there's a plan I'll forget it, but do they listen? Nooo, they just go right ahead and make a plan and expect me to remember it"
Olan Fargrove - Elf Swashbuckler Dierdre Oakbridge - Halfling Grave Cleric Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Thief
Cunning Green-moss - Tiefling Barbarian (Retired) Haj i Rae - Human Gloom Stalker (Retired) Qal Joharge - Human Monk (Retired)
Vasha sits calmly atop the wagon, reins loosely held in one hand as the oxen plod along the dusty trail. His other hand rests on the hilt of a large, well-worn greatsword sitting in his lap, its weight a familiar comfort. Dressed in simple, practical clothingâ a dark tunic, with a cloak draped across his shouldersâVasha blends into the landscape, just another figure in a rough world. His deep tan skin catches the occasional ray of sunlight, and his sharp, brown eyes hold a quiet, thoughtful expression. Despite the potential dangers of the journey, his demeanor remains calm and composed, his presence unobtrusive.
Vasha scans the horizon with a careful eye, ever mindful of the bandits and outlaws that might lurk along the Triboar Trail. Though he doesnât speak much, when he does converse with his companions, his voice is smooth and melodic, his words polite and deliberate. Thereâs a natural ease to his manner, a quiet confidence that comes from years of navigating the shadows of Neverwinter. He is alert, yet not tense, understanding that the best way to handle danger is to be prepared, not paranoid.
He adjusts the reins, urging the oxen forward with a gentle command, his grip firm but relaxed. The Sword Mountains loom in the distance, a reminder of how far theyâve come from Neverwinter. He breathes in deeply, the scent of pine and earth filling his lungs, grounding him in the moment. This is just another jobâanother stretch of road to travel, another task to complete. Yet, thereâs a part of him that remains ever-watchful, aware that even the most routine assignments can turn in an instant. Still, he remains composed, ready to guide the wagon forward through whatever might come their way.
đš Chase Kragen đĄïž
Chase Kragen a typical looking dwarven male. About five foot two hundred pounds dressed in chain carrying a shield emblazoned with a holy emblem of a little known dwarven deity a warhammer in hand and a sack tied across his back. His bushy red mane of hair makes him easy to spot. For most of the departure from Neverwinter heâs been silent, deep in thought. But as the trip progresses he regularly ranges ahead hoping to forage a meal or two⊠(survival 12 with guidance)
As he returns to the wagon perhaps with a handful of berries/mushrooms/or nuts, he introduces himself, âSo Gundren offered a fist a coins to each of us Iâm guessing. Perty generous of âim. What ah sorta skills yâall providing. I myself got some Godly healing should it be necessary an a bit of protections to boot. My name is Chase Kragen.â He munches whatever he foraged and gets a look at everyone.
Seventh đ Sojourn
John a young man of 20 summers of average height and build. His arms and armor hints at his time as a Neverwinter town guard. After his decision to not reenlist with the guard after his contact expired he was excited to find his first job as an adventurer. His excitement however seem expired as this job felt like his previous, alot of watching and no action.
As a wall guard and scout he does what he knows. During the journey so far he has been taking his turn scouting ahead, spending the rest of the time sitting on the aft of the wagon keeping his eyes on the trail behind. At random times he hops off the wagon and hides seeing if the group is followed.
During the day he is silent 100% focused on his watch. At night when he is not on guard he integrates everyone. His tale he has already told everyone, even if no one asked. His story is summerizes: he is a third generation soldier both his father and his father were crossbow men. His train started the day he could lift and aim the cumbersome contraption. In the guard he was a scout primary but never did more then patrol the surrounding forests and never saw action. Now an adventurer he is chopping at the bit to shoot his bow in anger maybe a little recklessly so.
"Nice to meet you Chase. I'm John Hawkins scout and a deadly shoot with my bow." John pats the crossbow on his lap.
"Skills? Well I'm quite good at travelling, and talking" she grins "but I'm also very good at not being seen when I need to."
"I also seem to be able to open things that should be locked." Nyli suddenly looks embarrassed "I don't mean that like it sounds" she looks flustered "I mean like doors!" "Not all doors! I mean like barn doors or stables or things! When it's raining and I need shelter."
Looking decidedly red in the face she retreats into a corner of the cart "I'm going to stop talking now. Just ignore what I said"
Olan Fargrove - Elf Swashbuckler Dierdre Oakbridge - Halfling Grave Cleric Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Thief
Cunning Green-moss - Tiefling Barbarian (Retired) Haj i Rae - Human Gloom Stalker (Retired) Qal Joharge - Human Monk (Retired)
âDonât feel bad,â says Vasha, glancing over his shoulder at the odd little gnome girl. âI mostly just knock heads together,â he adds, looking down, a note of regret in his soft tone. âItâs not something Iâm proud of, but it pays the bills.â
Dunkin Netminder, a stout halfling, keeps pace with the wagon at its left rear corner. From this vantage he can scan the road ahead, and to each side. This also gives him the time and space to contemplate how he got here and his new companions. He never intended to start a riot, but the merchants and guilds from Waterdeep just couldn't stay out of the fishing grounds between Fireshear and Luskan; nor could they stop themselves from undercutting prices on the hard working, local fisherman there. So he'd argued and protested, eventually knocking-out a merchant who'd had the gall to suggest the Waterdeep fleets had every right to be there. Of course, the merchant's friends returned for revenge, but Dunkin had been saved by a large group of surly Fireshear fisherman.
"You'd better lay low for awhile," his brother had said. "I here'd of a dwarf askin' for help movin' some gear to Neverwinter. Why'nt ya' go, use 'dem druidic powers of yours, and get off the water for a while?" It was a good idea, so he'd looked up Gundren and offered his services.
He was less sure about his new companions. The all seemed to be focused on giving their best, and using their unique talents to benefit the group. Could he trust them? "Only one way to find out", he thought as he overheard Nyli's last remark.
"I agree, Chase. I think it's always good to know the skills one brings to the group. I've got a few cantrips and a spell up my sleeve that might help us if the road gets rough. Learned 'em from my Ma." Dunkin turned to Nyli.
"Hey, Nyli, I here'd that last remark. If'n you're a lockpick, where'd ya learn that skill?"
"I'm not a lockpick, I'm just a..a...." she sighs "I guess I am aren't I." She looks slightly crestfallen "people will think I'm a thief".
"I didn't learn it anywhere really, I just know how to do it, same as I know how to make a fire, or fix a broken door hinge."
Olan Fargrove - Elf Swashbuckler Dierdre Oakbridge - Halfling Grave Cleric Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Thief
Cunning Green-moss - Tiefling Barbarian (Retired) Haj i Rae - Human Gloom Stalker (Retired) Qal Joharge - Human Monk (Retired)
Doldek appears ill-prepared for a journey along the Triboar Trail. The gnome is still outfitted in the vestments of the House of Knowledge, a white shirt with wide sleeves tied at the wrists, trousers, and a black vest adorned in symbols in gold braid. His shirt sleeves and pant cuffs have become thoroughly encased in mud. He now spends most of the day huddled in the back of the wagon reading his tomes. If one were to ask him if he would be able to find his way back to Neverwinter, his honest answer would be "I'm afraid that is unlikely." But these are important books that he's reading! Thorough volumes on the hazards of the Underdark, Dwarven engineering manuals, treatises on the Elemental Plane of earth. His conversation with Gundren had ignited a determination to revolutionize the use of Abjuration in mines and tunnels.
When asked about his group utility, Doldek confesses "My talents are unfortunately not optimized for traversing this wilderness. Although I do know a ritual that can alert us to any intruders that might come upon us while we sleep. And I have prepared an Enchantment that can incapacitate such intruders."
Nyli watches the other gnome, as he sits reading. After a while she moves slightly closer, trying to see what he's reading but can't quite make it out, although it looks kind of technical. As he moves to swap one book for another she speaks, "Are you really a gnome? I've never met a gnome who's so quiet. Where are you from? and how come you speak so differently? I mean I know I speak differently, but that's because I'm not from around here, but you speak way more cleverly than most of us. Did you grow up speaking like that, or did you learn it?" She suddenly stops, looking embarrassed "Sorry, too many questions. I'll leave you to your reading. Sorry."
She moves away slightly "Note to self, stop asking soooo many questions. Yes I know I've said that before" Nyli appears to be talking to herself.
Olan Fargrove - Elf Swashbuckler Dierdre Oakbridge - Halfling Grave Cleric Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Thief
Cunning Green-moss - Tiefling Barbarian (Retired) Haj i Rae - Human Gloom Stalker (Retired) Qal Joharge - Human Monk (Retired)
As the gnomes read and ramble, typical gnome stuff as far as Vasha is concerned, he suddenly lets out a loud sneeze. Before he can catch his breath, four glowing orbs of light materialize, the Dancing Lights swirling around him playfully. He frowns, swatting at them as if they were pesky insects, but the lights continue to bob and weave around his head. With a resigned sigh, his shoulders slump, and he offers an apologetic glance to his companions. âSorry about that,â he mutters, his voice tinged with embarrassment. âThis happens sometimes. I donât really know why. Theyâll disappear in about a minute.â He watches the lights with a mix of irritation and resignation, hoping theyâll fade as quickly as they appeared.
John chuckles. That could be inconvenient.
Chase glowers up at Vasha, âDamned inconvenient under certain circumstances, thought you said you knock heads together for money. (Turns to John) John you have plenty of bolts for that launcher? This trails a fair ways from any sorta help, best weâre prepared for the worst.â
Chase only shakes his head at Nyliâs self discovery, and hurrumphs at Doldek all settled up in the wagon. âWe should be to Phandelin soon letâs hope we donât run into any trouble.â
Seventh đ Sojourn
Ya, I've got a score of bolts should be plenty.... Right?
"Aye. Don't ya worry, miss. No judgment here. I find gettin' things out on the table early helps on one of these things." He gestures at the caravan, eyes going wide at the glowing orbs surrounding Vasha. "That's some allergy, half-elf!"
OOC: Hope it's ok I'm using a similar dialogue color. It shows up so much better for me.
Chase, you find enough edible mushrooms, berries, and nuts for the equivalent of 2 rations or an afternoonâs supply of trail mix for the whole party.
The noon sun hangs overhead; youâve been on the Triboar Trail for about half a day. As you come around a bend, John is the first to spot two dead horses sprawled about fifty feet ahead of the wagon, blocking the path. Each has several black-feathered arrows sticking out of it. The woods press close to the trail here, with a steep embankment and dense thickets on either side.
Those who approach closer easily notice the following:
Youâve seen these horses before, just a few days ago in fact, being ridden by your mutual friend and employer, Gundren Rockseeker, and his bodyguard, Sildar Hallwinter.
The saddlebags have been looted. Nearby, a leather map case lies empty.
OOC:
Vasha, where do you stop the wagon? If for some reason you do not wish to stop, you will need to make a Wisdom or Dexterity (Land Vehicles) check (DC 15) to run over the horses.
See map below for reference (and please correct me if your character would be somewhere else):
For clarity, I would ask every player use a different color and reference their characterâs name somewhere in each post. Additionally, while I wonât require anyone to change their preferred style, I like to have âBold and double quotes in colorâ for speech and âitalics and single quotes in colorâ for thought. This style is what I will be using for the NPCs and monsters, when you meet them, with this green unless Vedar or H20_Keeper would like to switch to that color (or anyone has trouble reading it).
Vasha pulls back on the reigns and brings the wagon to a halt as the dead horses come into view. âLooks like trouble,â he says, standing to get a better view.
'Right good place for an ambush', Dunkin thinks, 'probably waitin' for us'. Trying to keep his voice even to avoid being heard outside the party, Dunkin addresses John.
"Not sure we should be walkin' right in there, John. Why don't you and me scout our flanks? I can take the left side. That embankment don't look bad. Maybe we can flush 'em out."
OOC: Switched my dialogue color to orange.
OOC:
Dunkin is correct about the embankment; it's not bad at all. Indeed, it would count as only 5 ft. of difficult terrain to climb or descend.
If any character actually does go searching for enemies, they may make a Wisdom (Perception) check.
More generally, if your character does something you feel calls for a skill check, go ahead and roll preemptively like HunterOrien did here. Worst case, I'll just ignore it.