Vasha doesn’t have much preparation to do, armed as he always is. As the others prepare for the rescue mission, Vasha positions himself near the goblin prisoner, his expression a cold, menacing glare that leaves no room for doubt—any attempt to escape will be met with swift consequences.
Intimidation 12
When the group finally sets off, Vasha takes the lead, keeping the prisoner close by his side. His gaze sweeps the trail ahead with unwavering vigilance, every step calculated as he remains on high alert for any sign of danger.
It's not about preventing people from seeing it it's about not causing them to look twice. Here let me. And I'll gladly watch out flanks and keep an bolt trained on our.... Charge.
Survival: 23 to hind the wagon
Hold an action to shoot an bolt at the sneeze if she trys to run.
John trails the party and keeps off to the side in the woods. Keeping the party and goblin in view but staying out of sight.
As the group begins to march, Dunkin begins to think out loud about strategy for a cave with 20 goblins. "That map showed a right and left side to the cave system. If we can be sure Sildar is where Big-Sneeze says he is on the left, could we find a way to block the right and maybe keep a few goblins out of the fight? My mold earth spell can move a large pile of earth or rubble, perhaps I could block 'em in or at least slow 'em down. Also wondering how we might use this ox to our advantage ..."
Chase “Perhaps an illusion cast upon the ox could divert the attention of any goblin sentries. If say the ox appeared as a bear maybe. Doldek are you capable of such a magical disguise?”
Dunkin laughed at Nyli's joke. "While I can't cast an illusion, my proficiency in Animal Handling might let me encourage the ox to ... pardon my pun ... 'bull rush' a group of attackers in such narrow confines. Perhaps we could flatten a few."
With John's help, you hide the wagon in the thicket without incident, choosing to take one ox with you. You discuss possible approaches as you proceed down the goblin path. Once you get through the initial thicket which disguised the path, you alternatively pass through grassy meadows and patches of woods. John, you notice a trail of blood at Goblin 5's last known location. It continues for about thirty feet, at which point it ends. Big-Sneeze helpfully offers, "nothing to worry about, that one is."
A DC 24 Wisdom (Perception or Survival) check reveals:
Goblin 5 did not return to the hideout. It is up a tree, a conveniently stationary target. It still carries its shortbow. If you move to attack it, Big-Sneeze would cry out in Goblin, "Run away! Save yourself!" and Goblin 5 would slip and fall to its death (if your attacks didn't get it first).
OOC:
John's post where he shot Goblin 5 didn't include the rolls, so I'm just assuming Goblin 5 got hit but did not drop to 0 HP. For simplicity, I'll say it's at 1 HP. Its AC is 15.
A DC 18 Wisdom (Insight) check on Big-Sneeze reveals:
As much as she wishes this weren't the case, Big-Sneeze honestly believes Goblin 5 wouldn't be able to find the wagon, and even if it did, it would be too afraid of your coming back to steal anything.
Big-Sneeze continues to make similar comments as you move. When Nyli mentions chicken, Big-Sneeze mumbles something about "nice, crunchable birdses. . ."
About ten mintues down the road, Vasha is the first to notice a hidden snare trap. Almost simultaneously, Big-Sneeze nudges Vasha and recommends the group go around it. A similar situation occurs some time later, where John, while keeping an eye on the group's surroundings, notices a pitfall trap. If he says nothing, Big-Sneeze will again prompt Vasha to avoid the trap. All in all, the journey takes about two hours.
Aside a winding brook, you begin to ascend a small hill, when Big-Sneeze says, "Up ahead the eating cave is. Beware guards in the bushes. Some do their job, very lazy others are. Tell you who's who, I can—or call them away, if you bring me closer." She looks up at you all, eyes full of hope. Her forced smile reveals a mouth full of teeth sharpened to points.
The shallow stream flows out of the narrow cave mouth, which is screened by dense briar thickets. A narrow dry path leads into the cave on the right-hand side of the stream.
OOC:
You've traveled approximately 5 miles from the ambush site. An additional character besides Doldek may take a Short Rest on the ox during the second hour of the trip, if Doldek dismounts.
It would take a DC 20 animal handling check to get the ox to go into the cave, which is dark and full of goblins and other terrors.
Map:
Your characters' tokens are here only to represent the marching order. You may stop at any point before reaching the mouth of the cave, including areas not on the map.
Nyli's first thought on hearing Big Sneeze is caution and deep mistrust. "There's no way in the hells you're getting any closer than this!" She looks at the others "I think now would be a good time to gag it and make sure it can't go anywhere."
"I think it's also time for me to 'become-one-with-the-bush' and see what's lurking about here."
Nyli will head across the stream and check out the bushes. She puts her bow across her back and draws sword and dagger.
Vasha gives a curt nod when the group decides to bind and gag the prisoner, his face set with resolve. He keeps close to Nyli as they move out, his steps light and his head low.
(Stealth 15)
Without a word, Vasha reaches out and lightly taps Nyli’s arm, then points to the branch snagged at her heel.
As Nyli, John, Vasha, and Big Sneeze sneak off across the stream, Dunkin turns to Chase and Doldek whispering. "Im'a thinkin' we should guard the flank. I can hide in the briars on the left of the entrance and if our noise draws reinforcements, I can spell cast from there."
He pauses and smiles. "I might make a bit 'o noise if they do. Steer clear lest you take thunder damage. It might also draw more out too, but better than fightin' 'em in the dark."
Stealth check 15 to hide
Initiative 9
Ready Cantrip Thunderclap on more than 5 goblins or Klarg leaving the cave
Doldek spends the first hour unwinding from the chaos of the ambush and refocusing his mind for the task ahead. Once he senses the return of the arcane energy consumed earlier, he steps down from the ox and procedes to walk in line with the others.
Upon reaching the cave and being appraised of the guards, the gnome strokes his chin. "Most of my spells require a somewhat loud vocalization that would undermine our attempts to proceed unnoticed. However with a quite marginal effort I could redirect the stream to where the guards are posted. With some luck it would instigate them to investigate chuckle, where the rest of you would be prepared to unleash a volley of arrows, bolts, or whatever else you may have on hand."
“That sounds perfect Doldek, I knew you’d have a brilliant idea.”
Chase prepares himself to attack the guards the moment they are within sight. Positioned 50’ from the stream coming from the cave entrance intending to cast sacred flame on a guard.
Dex save DC 13 for 8 radiant on one of the guards. Initiative 19
Nyli, John, and Vasha sneak through the bushes. Brambly briars tug at your clothes, but as you push through, you see two goblins on a makeshift boardwalk in the thicket. Wooden planks flatten out the briars and provide room for these guards to lie hidden and watch the area. At least, that is what they are supposed to be doing.
One goblin is asleep, snoring; the other is balancing twigs on its partner's face and snickering. The two seem completely oblivious to your presence. Pairs of scimitars and shortbows lie by their feet. Next to those is a blowing horn.
Dunkin, Doldek, and Chase, you see your companions disappear into the rightmost patch of briars. There is no activity by the cave mouth, but that could change at any moment. Dunkin, as an expert in bodies of water, when you get close to the mouth of the cave, you gauge that the stream is about 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep.
OOC:
Everyone roll initiative! The enemies' initiative count is 9.
Goblin A (Goblin): 2/2 HP (Unconscious) --> Perception 0 Goblin B (Goblin): 5/5 HP --> Perception 2
Map:
Goblin A is the left goblin. Goblin B is the right.
I don't think we need an updated map yet, but if you wish I can do that.
Having a plan and executing it with precision Chase is able to not only drop Sacred flame on his 1st target but also hits the other goblin with a second casting...
Having a plan and executing it with precision Chase is able to not only drop Sacred flame on his 1st target but also hits the other goblin with a second casting...
Dex save DC 13 vs 1 radiant damage.
One of the goblins takes 1 damage.
OOC:
Goblin A (Goblin): 1/2 HP (Surprised) Goblin B (Goblin): 5/5 HP (Surprised)
Vasha doesn’t have much preparation to do, armed as he always is. As the others prepare for the rescue mission, Vasha positions himself near the goblin prisoner, his expression a cold, menacing glare that leaves no room for doubt—any attempt to escape will be met with swift consequences.
Intimidation 12
When the group finally sets off, Vasha takes the lead, keeping the prisoner close by his side. His gaze sweeps the trail ahead with unwavering vigilance, every step calculated as he remains on high alert for any sign of danger.
Perception 18
John laughing at their attempt to hind the wagon.
It's not about preventing people from seeing it it's about not causing them to look twice. Here let me. And I'll gladly watch out flanks and keep an bolt trained on our.... Charge.
Survival: 23 to hind the wagon
Hold an action to shoot an bolt at the sneeze if she trys to run.
John trails the party and keeps off to the side in the woods. Keeping the party and goblin in view but staying out of sight.
As the group begins to march, Dunkin begins to think out loud about strategy for a cave with 20 goblins. "That map showed a right and left side to the cave system. If we can be sure Sildar is where Big-Sneeze says he is on the left, could we find a way to block the right and maybe keep a few goblins out of the fight? My mold earth spell can move a large pile of earth or rubble, perhaps I could block 'em in or at least slow 'em down. Also wondering how we might use this ox to our advantage ..."
Chase “Perhaps an illusion cast upon the ox could divert the attention of any goblin sentries. If say the ox appeared as a bear maybe. Doldek are you capable of such a magical disguise?”
Seventh 🌖 Sojourn
"I could maybe send a chicken illusion into the cave, and see if anything tries to eat it" Nyli giggles.
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)
Dunkin laughed at Nyli's joke. "While I can't cast an illusion, my proficiency in Animal Handling might let me encourage the ox to ... pardon my pun ... 'bull rush' a group of attackers in such narrow confines. Perhaps we could flatten a few."
With John's help, you hide the wagon in the thicket without incident, choosing to take one ox with you. You discuss possible approaches as you proceed down the goblin path. Once you get through the initial thicket which disguised the path, you alternatively pass through grassy meadows and patches of woods. John, you notice a trail of blood at Goblin 5's last known location. It continues for about thirty feet, at which point it ends. Big-Sneeze helpfully offers, "nothing to worry about, that one is."
A DC 24 Wisdom (Perception or Survival) check reveals:
Goblin 5 did not return to the hideout. It is up a tree, a conveniently stationary target. It still carries its shortbow. If you move to attack it, Big-Sneeze would cry out in Goblin, "Run away! Save yourself!" and Goblin 5 would slip and fall to its death (if your attacks didn't get it first).
OOC:
John's post where he shot Goblin 5 didn't include the rolls, so I'm just assuming Goblin 5 got hit but did not drop to 0 HP. For simplicity, I'll say it's at 1 HP. Its AC is 15.
A DC 18 Wisdom (Insight) check on Big-Sneeze reveals:
As much as she wishes this weren't the case, Big-Sneeze honestly believes Goblin 5 wouldn't be able to find the wagon, and even if it did, it would be too afraid of your coming back to steal anything.
Big-Sneeze continues to make similar comments as you move. When Nyli mentions chicken, Big-Sneeze mumbles something about "nice, crunchable birdses. . ."
About ten mintues down the road, Vasha is the first to notice a hidden snare trap. Almost simultaneously, Big-Sneeze nudges Vasha and recommends the group go around it. A similar situation occurs some time later, where John, while keeping an eye on the group's surroundings, notices a pitfall trap. If he says nothing, Big-Sneeze will again prompt Vasha to avoid the trap. All in all, the journey takes about two hours.
Aside a winding brook, you begin to ascend a small hill, when Big-Sneeze says, "Up ahead the eating cave is. Beware guards in the bushes. Some do their job, very lazy others are. Tell you who's who, I can—or call them away, if you bring me closer." She looks up at you all, eyes full of hope. Her forced smile reveals a mouth full of teeth sharpened to points.
The shallow stream flows out of the narrow cave mouth, which is screened by dense briar thickets. A narrow dry path leads into the cave on the right-hand side of the stream.
OOC:
You've traveled approximately 5 miles from the ambush site. An additional character besides Doldek may take a Short Rest on the ox during the second hour of the trip, if Doldek dismounts.
It would take a DC 20 animal handling check to get the ox to go into the cave, which is dark and full of goblins and other terrors.
Map:
Your characters' tokens are here only to represent the marching order. You may stop at any point before reaching the mouth of the cave, including areas not on the map.
The briars count as difficult terrain.
Nyli's first thought on hearing Big Sneeze is caution and deep mistrust. "There's no way in the hells you're getting any closer than this!" She looks at the others "I think now would be a good time to gag it and make sure it can't go anywhere."
"I think it's also time for me to 'become-one-with-the-bush' and see what's lurking about here."
Nyli will head across the stream and check out the bushes. She puts her bow across her back and draws sword and dagger.
Stealth 8 😒
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)
(passed the insight check)
Satisfied for now. John follows along. Keep an eye on big sneeze, confident that she wouldn't betray us if her interests align with ours.
At the cave John trys to sneak a bit closer for a look
Stealth 10
Vasha gives a curt nod when the group decides to bind and gag the prisoner, his face set with resolve. He keeps close to Nyli as they move out, his steps light and his head low.
(Stealth 15)
Without a word, Vasha reaches out and lightly taps Nyli’s arm, then points to the branch snagged at her heel.
(Help Action for her Stealth roll)
As Nyli, John, Vasha, and Big Sneeze sneak off across the stream, Dunkin turns to Chase and Doldek whispering. "Im'a thinkin' we should guard the flank. I can hide in the briars on the left of the entrance and if our noise draws reinforcements, I can spell cast from there."
He pauses and smiles. "I might make a bit 'o noise if they do. Steer clear lest you take thunder damage. It might also draw more out too, but better than fightin' 'em in the dark."
Stealth check 15 to hide
Initiative 9
Ready Cantrip Thunderclap on more than 5 goblins or Klarg leaving the cave
Doldek spends the first hour unwinding from the chaos of the ambush and refocusing his mind for the task ahead. Once he senses the return of the arcane energy consumed earlier, he steps down from the ox and procedes to walk in line with the others.
Upon reaching the cave and being appraised of the guards, the gnome strokes his chin. "Most of my spells require a somewhat loud vocalization that would undermine our attempts to proceed unnoticed. However with a quite marginal effort I could redirect the stream to where the guards are posted. With some luck it would instigate them to investigate chuckle, where the rest of you would be prepared to unleash a volley of arrows, bolts, or whatever else you may have on hand."
“That sounds perfect Doldek, I knew you’d have a brilliant idea.”
Chase prepares himself to attack the guards the moment they are within sight. Positioned 50’ from the stream coming from the cave entrance intending to cast sacred flame on a guard.
Dex save DC 13 for 8 radiant on one of the guards.
Initiative 19
Seventh 🌖 Sojourn
Nyli, John, and Vasha sneak through the bushes. Brambly briars tug at your clothes, but as you push through, you see two goblins on a makeshift boardwalk in the thicket. Wooden planks flatten out the briars and provide room for these guards to lie hidden and watch the area. At least, that is what they are supposed to be doing.
One goblin is asleep, snoring; the other is balancing twigs on its partner's face and snickering. The two seem completely oblivious to your presence. Pairs of scimitars and shortbows lie by their feet. Next to those is a blowing horn.
Dunkin, Doldek, and Chase, you see your companions disappear into the rightmost patch of briars. There is no activity by the cave mouth, but that could change at any moment. Dunkin, as an expert in bodies of water, when you get close to the mouth of the cave, you gauge that the stream is about 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep.
OOC:
Everyone roll initiative! The enemies' initiative count is 9.
Goblin A (Goblin): 2/2 HP (Unconscious) --> Perception 0
Goblin B (Goblin): 5/5 HP --> Perception 2
Map:
Goblin A is the left goblin. Goblin B is the right.
I don't think we need an updated map yet, but if you wish I can do that.
Nyli init 18
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 Initiative 17
Doldek initiative 6
Having a plan and executing it with precision Chase is able to not only drop Sacred flame on his 1st target but also hits the other goblin with a second casting...
Dex save DC 13 vs 1 radiant damage.
Seventh 🌖 Sojourn
One of the goblins takes 1 damage.
OOC:
Goblin A (Goblin): 1/2 HP (Surprised)
Goblin B (Goblin): 5/5 HP (Surprised)
Nyli steps in with a shortsword attack on Goblin B. 15 to hit 7 damage
She then pivots on the spot and stabs at the other goblin with her dagger. 12 to hit 4 damage
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)