Those of you who met Gundren before the trip started, recognize one of the dead horses as his. The other horse you haven't seen before, but you can only assume it belonged to Sildar Hallwinter, the human escort Gundren hired to take him safely to Phandalin.
Surge notices that the horses have been dead about a day and it is clear that the arrows killed them. Pardo finds looted saddlebags and an empty leather map case.
Kilxus's investigation of the general area of the ambush yields a few interesting results. It is clear that what happened to you is not uncommon. Several bushes have been choped down to make space for ambushers and multiple footprints can be found on both sides of the road. Additionally, he finds a trail hidden behind thickeths on the north side of the road, leading northwest.
While all this is happening, Loraviel is a few feet into the woods, trying to gather information from any local fauna willing to help.
Finally, Pardo and Surge pile up the loot, if you can call loot a bunch of smelly pieces of leather armor, and makeshift scimitars, shortbows, and shields used by the goblins. The armor only fits Pardo, if he doesn't mind the terrible odor emanating from it. Selling this stuff in town would be extremely difficult.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
While Loraviel’s companions are shaking off the shock from the ambush, and then checking the site for clues as to what transpired here. She swears to the Goddess that the killing of the poor horses will not go unanswered. She meditates for a couple of minutes and casts Speak with Animals. Loraviel looks around for friendly animals in the Forest that might be able to aid them.
She quickly spots two small squirrels, huddled against each other, at the base of a large tree. They seem frightened by the events that just transpired. Loraviel calmly approaches the little creatures, assuring them that she means them no harm, by raising slightly her arms. As she approaches, the squirrels hastily start to climb up the tree to safety. She squacks and clicks a little to the creatures, and the surprised squirrels stop their climb, turn around looking down, and stare at the elf. Their impulse to scatter away is strong, but they are curious about this giant creature talking to them in a way they can understand.
Loraviel clicks with a low voice and approaches closer, then she sits down in front of the large tree and crosses her legs like she is meditating. She has her arms extended on top of her legs and her palms are open, inviting the squirrels to come down. The two looks at each other, clicks a little, cautiously climbs down, and goes to where Loraviel is sitting. Once they deem her safe, they climb on her. Loraviel and the squirrels starts to click, squack, and make other furry animal sounds. The squirrels start talking on top of each other, trying to convey a million messages at the same time. They run all over Loraviel’s body, clicking furiously, while she is trying to keep up with their conversation. Then the two furry friends climbs down from her body, and stand on their hind legs in front of Loraviel. She clicks gently to the two squirrels and they scamper away.
Loraviel stands up, and bows slightly to Surge. “I would like to thank your gods for their guidance. They were very insightful for my conversation with our newfound friends.” She walks to the side of the road, she cautiously goes deeper into the woods, and calls for her companions.
“My Friends, unfortunately we have a situation here.” She shows them a small trail in the woods that would be hard to spot if it wasn’t for the squirrels. The trail seems that it is used quite often, with fresh trails leading deeper into the Forest. “It seems that our attackers use this spot quite frequently to stage ambushes to passersby. My two furry friends told me that the Goblins recently attacked two large creatures and took them, most likely, through this trail. They were unconscious, but alive if I am not mistaken, and they are probably the owners of the dead horses.” Loraviel bends down and examines the trail more closely with her right hand (Investigation: 3) “If I understood correctly there is a cave up ahead and I was warned that it is a very dangerous place. They mentioned that one of Goblins is much larger than the others. I wonder what that means.” She gets up. “My Friends, if we decide to investigate this “cave” we should proceed with great caution. My heart tells me that we will find whomever killed the horses in that cave, and I want nothing but to avenge their deaths.” She pats her hands off the dirt from the trail, and she looks towards the horses. “What have you found about the poor animals?”
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
"It would appear that goblins have kidnapped our employer and his escort. It also appears that it may be within our means to effectuate a rescue. Honor requires me to attempt this mission, but I cannot make the same decision for you. Doing so would no doubt be dangerous. And we agreed only to escort this cart to Phandalin. While we might expect Gundren to offer an additional reward for his safe return, it is by no means assured. You have all proven your abilities in combat today. I would welcome the support of any who decides to accompany me. I will give you time to consider your options as I find I need my own time to recuperate, but I will leave on the hour."
Kilxus nods toward the horses, "Killed by ambushers, cowardly goblins. While I know that the cave would be dangerous, we should go and see if you can find out what happened to the horsemen. Somebody was riding them, and though they are probably dead by now, there is no guarentee so I think we should make sure. None of us would want to be left alive in goblin hands." He spits upon one of the goblin corpses and lays a hand on the hilt of his sickle.
"Well done" the Priest says to Loraviel and Kilxus. "We may lose our oxen and supplies if we take too long, but I'm sure Gundren would prefer that over the loss of his life. Eldath and I will watch your back, Pardo."
Surge goes back to the wagon and starts drinking copious amounts of water again while Pardo and the others rest.
Loraviel does not comment on Surge's concern regarding the supplies. For it doesn't mean anything to her. However, she is concerned regarding the oxen. She asks for whomever is able to help, that does not require rest. The team drag the dead horses deeper into the forest, and she asks everyone to go back to the road. She howls like a wolf (Speak with Animals is still up) for a little while. Then growls can be heard at the spot where the horses where dragged into, and the party can hear the animals tearing into the horses. Tears fall down from Loraviel's eyes."Goddess, please forgive me."
While the wolves are feasting on the horses, she calmly meditates to cast the spell again. When the feast is finished, she gets up and angrily howls loudly towards the wolves. All the snarling, and fighting for the last morsels ends abruptly. Loraviel first touches each ox, and says something into their ears. The oxen were stressed with all the growling, then they calmed down, dragged the wagon to the side of the road, and crouched down to rest. Loraviel, making sure that the oxen were comfortable, then goes to where the wolves are and commands loudly to the wolves.
After some brief but loud growls back and forth. She returns to where the party is. "No need to worry about the oxen, or the wagon for that matter. They will be safe until the next morning." She looks back, far back into the forest, and does a loud growl. "If you are all ready, I would like to depart as soon as we are able. I will volunteer to go ahead." With a heavy heart, Loraviel starts walking towards the trail to make sure it is safe for the party.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Pardo and the others can likely see the normally calm, often jovial Priest swallow hard and look at them with wider than normal eyes as they listen to the various wolf sounds. When Loraviel returns and heads off for the trail he looks at the others with a combination of amazement and confusion as to what just happened. He does not question how it is that the oxen will be safe and prepares to depart, wooden shield and staff with lantern at the ready.
Kilxus glances towards the woods where the wolf sounds ade coming from and grins a morbid grin. He follows Loraviel into the forest with a hand on his sickle and thoughts of fighting in his head.
Pardo cannot help but wonder if the elf could convince one the pack to serve as his mount. He looks longingly at the lance that he has stowed with the cart. Much to the chagrin of his companions, however, he does a bring a set of the Goblin's discarded leather armor in the event that he found it more advantageous to sneak around a problem than meet it with his blade.
Thus equipped, Pardo settled in toward the rear of the company.
Surge is happy to take up a position at the middle or rear of the party. He wears lighter armor than he could to allow for above average stealth, but also uses the general logic that he cannot help people if he cannot see them, or if he’s dead.
Ebb will take up position towards the front of the party, he's pretty stealthy, and he needs to be able to get into the action when everything pops off
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Sure no harm will overtake the wagon, its contents, and the beasts that pull it, the group leaves the road decisively. Intent on finding out what happened to the riders and, Loraviel in particular, avenging the poor animals that fell prey to the ambush, Gundren's escort party, now more like rescue party, heads down the trail that leads them northwest.
The forest is thick so you travel in line, Ebb first, cautiously leading the march. While the tiefling looks for traps, Loraviel is focused on the trees, the soil, the critters that live in the forest. It is clear to her that at least a dozen small creatures like the ones who ambushed you have traversed this trail recently.
About 30 minutes after heading down the trail, Ebb stops and, without uttering a single sound, points at a spot on the ground 10 ft from him. At first it is hard to notice that which he wants the group to see. He takes a few steps forward and moves a few branches from a thicket to show a hidden snare waiting for an unwary traveler.
Avoiding this trap, the group resumes their march. Another 20 minutes pass without complications until, suddenly, the ground breaks where the monk stepped and soil, branches, and leaves fall into a not too steep pit. Luckily, Ebb was able to jump back and avoid falling along with the debris. These goblins are a resourceful lot.
Finally, after 10 more minutes, you come across a large cave in a hillside five miles from the scene of the ambush. A shallow stream flows out of the 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.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Loraviel touches Ebb's shoulder to halt, so that the party remains under the cover of the Forest. With a hushed voice. "That was great work avoiding those obstacles back there Ebb. I may have missed them myself..." Loraviel says slightly sheepishly. "We must proceed with even more caution from now on. By my reckoning, there seem to be at the very least a dozen of those foul creatures in that cave, if not more. We should remember that there is also a very big fellow in there as well." Loraviel scans the area outside of the cave for any Goblin activity. (Perception: 18)
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Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Loraviel crouches down, motions everyone to do the same, and says to the team in a hushed voice. "I hear two voices coming from behind the thickets. Everybody please remain quiet." She squints her eyes (OCC: Not sure if Elves need to do this :-) and looks more intently towards the thickets area. "We can either go through the thickets to find the source of the voice, or we can go around, towards that large gap by the cave's entrance. I suggest the stealthiest person." She looks at Ebb. "Goes first to the gap, and one or two stealthier person go through the thickets to surprise them from two sides." She raises her hand. "I will volunteer to go through the thickets and meet the source at the other side."
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Pardo hisses "I am not so stealthy in my mail. I will take the unobstructed path. I will try not to be seen, but if I am, it will seem more natural that I am confronting the guards directly. That would allow our second strike force the advantage of surprise."
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Those of you who met Gundren before the trip started, recognize one of the dead horses as his. The other horse you haven't seen before, but you can only assume it belonged to Sildar Hallwinter, the human escort Gundren hired to take him safely to Phandalin.
Surge notices that the horses have been dead about a day and it is clear that the arrows killed them. Pardo finds looted saddlebags and an empty leather map case.
Kilxus's investigation of the general area of the ambush yields a few interesting results. It is clear that what happened to you is not uncommon. Several bushes have been choped down to make space for ambushers and multiple footprints can be found on both sides of the road. Additionally, he finds a trail hidden behind thickeths on the north side of the road, leading northwest.
While all this is happening, Loraviel is a few feet into the woods, trying to gather information from any local fauna willing to help.
Finally, Pardo and Surge pile up the loot, if you can call loot a bunch of smelly pieces of leather armor, and makeshift scimitars, shortbows, and shields used by the goblins. The armor only fits Pardo, if he doesn't mind the terrible odor emanating from it. Selling this stuff in town would be extremely difficult.
While Loraviel’s companions are shaking off the shock from the ambush, and then checking the site for clues as to what transpired here. She swears to the Goddess that the killing of the poor horses will not go unanswered. She meditates for a couple of minutes and casts Speak with Animals. Loraviel looks around for friendly animals in the Forest that might be able to aid them.
She quickly spots two small squirrels, huddled against each other, at the base of a large tree. They seem frightened by the events that just transpired. Loraviel calmly approaches the little creatures, assuring them that she means them no harm, by raising slightly her arms. As she approaches, the squirrels hastily start to climb up the tree to safety. She squacks and clicks a little to the creatures, and the surprised squirrels stop their climb, turn around looking down, and stare at the elf. Their impulse to scatter away is strong, but they are curious about this giant creature talking to them in a way they can understand.
Loraviel clicks with a low voice and approaches closer, then she sits down in front of the large tree and crosses her legs like she is meditating. She has her arms extended on top of her legs and her palms are open, inviting the squirrels to come down. The two looks at each other, clicks a little, cautiously climbs down, and goes to where Loraviel is sitting. Once they deem her safe, they climb on her. Loraviel and the squirrels starts to click, squack, and make other furry animal sounds. The squirrels start talking on top of each other, trying to convey a million messages at the same time. They run all over Loraviel’s body, clicking furiously, while she is trying to keep up with their conversation. Then the two furry friends climbs down from her body, and stand on their hind legs in front of Loraviel. She clicks gently to the two squirrels and they scamper away.
Loraviel stands up, and bows slightly to Surge. “I would like to thank your gods for their guidance. They were very insightful for my conversation with our newfound friends.” She walks to the side of the road, she cautiously goes deeper into the woods, and calls for her companions.
“My Friends, unfortunately we have a situation here.” She shows them a small trail in the woods that would be hard to spot if it wasn’t for the squirrels. The trail seems that it is used quite often, with fresh trails leading deeper into the Forest. “It seems that our attackers use this spot quite frequently to stage ambushes to passersby. My two furry friends told me that the Goblins recently attacked two large creatures and took them, most likely, through this trail. They were unconscious, but alive if I am not mistaken, and they are probably the owners of the dead horses.” Loraviel bends down and examines the trail more closely with her right hand (Investigation: 3) “If I understood correctly there is a cave up ahead and I was warned that it is a very dangerous place. They mentioned that one of Goblins is much larger than the others. I wonder what that means.” She gets up. “My Friends, if we decide to investigate this “cave” we should proceed with great caution. My heart tells me that we will find whomever killed the horses in that cave, and I want nothing but to avenge their deaths.” She pats her hands off the dirt from the trail, and she looks towards the horses. “What have you found about the poor animals?”
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
"It would appear that goblins have kidnapped our employer and his escort. It also appears that it may be within our means to effectuate a rescue. Honor requires me to attempt this mission, but I cannot make the same decision for you. Doing so would no doubt be dangerous. And we agreed only to escort this cart to Phandalin. While we might expect Gundren to offer an additional reward for his safe return, it is by no means assured. You have all proven your abilities in combat today. I would welcome the support of any who decides to accompany me. I will give you time to consider your options as I find I need my own time to recuperate, but I will leave on the hour."
Kilxus nods toward the horses, "Killed by ambushers, cowardly goblins. While I know that the cave would be dangerous, we should go and see if you can find out what happened to the horsemen. Somebody was riding them, and though they are probably dead by now, there is no guarentee so I think we should make sure. None of us would want to be left alive in goblin hands." He spits upon one of the goblin corpses and lays a hand on the hilt of his sickle.
"Well done" the Priest says to Loraviel and Kilxus. "We may lose our oxen and supplies if we take too long, but I'm sure Gundren would prefer that over the loss of his life. Eldath and I will watch your back, Pardo."
Surge goes back to the wagon and starts drinking copious amounts of water again while Pardo and the others rest.
"Yeah, let's do it! I don't love the idea of going into a cave, but would rather go into a cave then let two innocent people die."
Loraviel does not comment on Surge's concern regarding the supplies. For it doesn't mean anything to her. However, she is concerned regarding the oxen. She asks for whomever is able to help, that does not require rest. The team drag the dead horses deeper into the forest, and she asks everyone to go back to the road. She howls like a wolf (Speak with Animals is still up) for a little while. Then growls can be heard at the spot where the horses where dragged into, and the party can hear the animals tearing into the horses. Tears fall down from Loraviel's eyes. "Goddess, please forgive me."
While the wolves are feasting on the horses, she calmly meditates to cast the spell again. When the feast is finished, she gets up and angrily howls loudly towards the wolves. All the snarling, and fighting for the last morsels ends abruptly. Loraviel first touches each ox, and says something into their ears. The oxen were stressed with all the growling, then they calmed down, dragged the wagon to the side of the road, and crouched down to rest. Loraviel, making sure that the oxen were comfortable, then goes to where the wolves are and commands loudly to the wolves.
After some brief but loud growls back and forth. She returns to where the party is. "No need to worry about the oxen, or the wagon for that matter. They will be safe until the next morning." She looks back, far back into the forest, and does a loud growl. "If you are all ready, I would like to depart as soon as we are able. I will volunteer to go ahead." With a heavy heart, Loraviel starts walking towards the trail to make sure it is safe for the party.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Pardo and the others can likely see the normally calm, often jovial Priest swallow hard and look at them with wider than normal eyes as they listen to the various wolf sounds. When Loraviel returns and heads off for the trail he looks at the others with a combination of amazement and confusion as to what just happened. He does not question how it is that the oxen will be safe and prepares to depart, wooden shield and staff with lantern at the ready.
Kilxus glances towards the woods where the wolf sounds ade coming from and grins a morbid grin. He follows Loraviel into the forest with a hand on his sickle and thoughts of fighting in his head.
Pardo cannot help but wonder if the elf could convince one the pack to serve as his mount. He looks longingly at the lance that he has stowed with the cart. Much to the chagrin of his companions, however, he does a bring a set of the Goblin's discarded leather armor in the event that he found it more advantageous to sneak around a problem than meet it with his blade.
Thus equipped, Pardo settled in toward the rear of the company.
Surge is happy to take up a position at the middle or rear of the party. He wears lighter armor than he could to allow for above average stealth, but also uses the general logic that he cannot help people if he cannot see them, or if he’s dead.
Ebb will take up position towards the front of the party, he's pretty stealthy, and he needs to be able to get into the action when everything pops off
Loraviel goes behind Ebb.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Sure no harm will overtake the wagon, its contents, and the beasts that pull it, the group leaves the road decisively. Intent on finding out what happened to the riders and, Loraviel in particular, avenging the poor animals that fell prey to the ambush, Gundren's escort party, now more like rescue party, heads down the trail that leads them northwest.
The forest is thick so you travel in line, Ebb first, cautiously leading the march. While the tiefling looks for traps, Loraviel is focused on the trees, the soil, the critters that live in the forest. It is clear to her that at least a dozen small creatures like the ones who ambushed you have traversed this trail recently.
About 30 minutes after heading down the trail, Ebb stops and, without uttering a single sound, points at a spot on the ground 10 ft from him. At first it is hard to notice that which he wants the group to see. He takes a few steps forward and moves a few branches from a thicket to show a hidden snare waiting for an unwary traveler.
Avoiding this trap, the group resumes their march. Another 20 minutes pass without complications until, suddenly, the ground breaks where the monk stepped and soil, branches, and leaves fall into a not too steep pit. Luckily, Ebb was able to jump back and avoid falling along with the debris. These goblins are a resourceful lot.
Finally, after 10 more minutes, you come across a large cave in a hillside five miles from the scene of the ambush. A shallow stream flows out of the 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.
Loraviel touches Ebb's shoulder to halt, so that the party remains under the cover of the Forest. With a hushed voice. "That was great work avoiding those obstacles back there Ebb. I may have missed them myself..." Loraviel says slightly sheepishly. "We must proceed with even more caution from now on. By my reckoning, there seem to be at the very least a dozen of those foul creatures in that cave, if not more. We should remember that there is also a very big fellow in there as well." Loraviel scans the area outside of the cave for any Goblin activity. (Perception: 18)
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Pardo whispers, "can we use the thickets for cover?" "Can't imagine they don't have eyes on the cave entrance somewhere."
Surge nods at Loraviel and Pardo. "Let us sneak up there behind the thickets for a closer look, yes?"
Loraviel crouches down, motions everyone to do the same, and says to the team in a hushed voice. "I hear two voices coming from behind the thickets. Everybody please remain quiet." She squints her eyes (OCC: Not sure if Elves need to do this :-) and looks more intently towards the thickets area. "We can either go through the thickets to find the source of the voice, or we can go around, towards that large gap by the cave's entrance. I suggest the stealthiest person." She looks at Ebb. "Goes first to the gap, and one or two stealthier person go through the thickets to surprise them from two sides." She raises her hand. "I will volunteer to go through the thickets and meet the source at the other side."
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Kilxus whispers, "I'm not very stealthy at all, I'll stay back until the ambush is sprung."
Pardo hisses "I am not so stealthy in my mail. I will take the unobstructed path. I will try not to be seen, but if I am, it will seem more natural that I am confronting the guards directly. That would allow our second strike force the advantage of surprise."