(once all that stuff is proccessed. but just posting this due to how my night might go~)
Finding himself surprisingly unwounded, despite the last occasion. Looking at his injured and bloodied companions, it might have been better the other way around. "Well, the cargo is effectively.. "lost" at this point. We sure can't bring it back. I doubt that guy would want to. So. Lets help ourselves to what we can before those creatures return. We need to get back somewhere safe...er...." As he starts to look around for anything useful he continues "Ismark was not joking when he stated this whole area is dangerous and everything wants to eat you."
Investigation I assume 18 + memories bonus. as he reminded of the past from Alessa's near death and Ed being sliced deeply. 6
Alessa's magic missiles streak through the air in a vengeful trajectory, disappearing into the ground before a muffled boom-boom-boom is heard. Zied's pebble bounces off of the mouth of the hole, tumbling down into the hole...
Bang!
The ground trembles then an explosion of mud, pebbles, chitin, and gore flies up from the ground about 10 feet away.
"Awww... I was just about to jump down and return the favour but I guess you guys beat me to it!" Ed looks around at his companions, the aftermath clearly showing hat they barely came out on top. "Are you two alright?" The question directed towards Alessa and Sezsu, "That first one hit me like a battering ram, you two look like you got even worse. I have a little healing left in me if you need it?"
"I'd be worried about the ground here abouts with the holes those things dug, and the one that got away. Lets just hope they aren't territorial creatures. Speaking of... does anyone know what they were?" Ed takes a moment to check the ground and the explosion of creature from within. He picks up pieces of the creature's hide, looking to see if any of the pieces are even close to shield sized.
"I'd still like something to take back and throw in Bildrath's face though. We have recovered his shipment after all... Just not in the condition he was hoping for."
Muddied, bloodied, and maybe a little shell-shocked, you examine the cargo hold of the wagon. Tussled around, some of it exposed to the elements, some of it splattered with dried blood, you do find that the wagon is loaded with inventory. Several large, tightly bound bundles of clothes, as well as backpacks, bedrolls, mess kits, torches rations, and water skins have been left behind. Whatever accosted the wagon's driver and lead animals, it clearly was not interested in supplies. (In total here you find Bildrath's clothing shipment, and the equivalent of four complete explorer's packs.)
There is also quite a bit of salvageable insect meat, and a sizable amount of chitin of various shapes and sizes. Although a bit misshapen, and adorned with vicious-looking spikes at irregular angles, the material would make for serviceable shields. (There is enough for three shields.)
"Well, We're claiming some of this. and we might as well take his clothing if possible. We took a beating-again. but it is likely worth it." having organized the packs into placement. "Not the cleanest things, these shields but they seem worth while. One for each of us three, Unless Alessa wants one?"
Examinig the vertiable load of items we acquired. "If we want, I can pack away the supplies we salvaged, as well as some bug meat into my atleier for now. We return to the town, with the shipment. I think we might be able to make it before dark? We need rest... and we need to prepare for this world. We don't even know if these creatures, Ankheg's now that I can look closer are common here or not. Either way I'd like to sleep closer to town for the night.. or on that bridge if ther aren't ghost parades here."
"It's a bad omen to turn back once you set off."Alessandra would never admit her familiarity with such superstition (which her old nursemaid had for almost any occasion) but in Barovia every nonsense suddenly made a lot of sense. "Besides, it is almost four hours walk by now and it is almost dark." She also was not sure she'll make it. Quite possibly Sezsu would need some rest too. "But I do like the idea of the bridge. Even if some troll lived under it at some point, it would be eaten up by those monsters by now and the bridge should be safe."The joke was not really funny, but Alessa was a bit out of shape for the witty remarks. "Even if we make all the way back... Not sure sisters will be happy to let us in. We might end up sleeping in the church." She shuddered even thinking about the possibility.
Alessa declined the kind offer of a shield ("need both hands free") but it was harder to refuse other items. Clean clothes, rations, torches - all of these were so much needed in their situation. "We might as well take some goods. We already bled for them even. Do you think we can push the wagon on the bridge? Looks like the most comfortable thing to sleep in we can find around but I am not sure about the spot it is standing on."
Ed gather up a pack out of the gear Zied uncovered. He nods at Alessa's concerns, "I feel no urgency to return these things to Bildrath. We should look to our own needs first, even if we return these goods we have little coin to be able to purchase armor. No, I think that pushing onto the village is teh best course ahead of us. Certainly if those ankhegs are prevalent in this area, the safety of camping over water seems prudent."
"Do we camp on the bridge itself, or next to it? We should check whats under as well as in the waters... Well. I should. I took the least beating." Awaiting input, he'll continue with their sleep plans. "Do we leave the cart here. Or are we wanting to drag and try to use it? Its not small- but it might be a barrier at least."
Suzsu looks back and forth between his companions as they talk, still sitting in the dirt catching his breath and inspecting his wounds. With a grunt, he hefts himself back up to his feet.
"To be perfectly honest, I'd feel safer in a tree than on the bridge. But I'm not sure I'd make it up a tree in this state. But speaking of which... I guess we'll need to right this wagon somehow if we want to move it for shelter."
He looks around for a fallen tree branch and a nearby stone or stump to use as a large lever to help tip the wagon back onto its wheels and takes a moment to confer some guidance (bend at the waist and lift with a twisting, jerking motion) before giving it his best.
(Going to give [presumably] Ed advantage & a d4 towards the strength check to get that wagon right-side-up.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
STR check: 12
"Using the wagon seems fitting, it would certainly offer several benefits to us. Whether I can move it though will be an ask, this looks in a worse state than Granny's cart was." So saying, Ed carefully wanders over to the cart, placing his sword and shield - which you notice have been firmly in his grasp since the attack - on a rocky surface that he most judges to be stable. He braces himself and tries to right the cart.
Try as Ed might, the wagon remains firmly embedded in the mud. You also notice that two of the wheels are broken, rendering the wagon immobile regardless.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Watching Eds struggles, as well as how the cart moves, tips, and yet remains stuck. Zied ponders for a moment. "It might take all of us huh." Removing his Rope of Climbing. Commanding it to wrap itself around the main bulk of the cart, then taking his lead. Zied walks over to the closest tree that appears decently sturdy. Taking the length around it creating something of a pully he plants his feet, tying his rope around his waist. "Ok, everyone, lets try this together. Tug of war." As everyone grabs on, Zied starts to count "One." they pull. "two" they release for a moment, "one" they pull again. Continuing trying to move it inch by inch until it tips once again.
If this is a Str check. I'd rather use Ed's bonus if possible I'll roll in spoiler and GM can decide whose modifier to try. Given Zied's intention is we all yoink..
11 . If this is a Str or Athletics check add 2 to this roll. if its just Str. well I have no bonus.
The wagon seems to groan as it's pulled free from the mud. Solidly constructed of wood, the weight is substantial. But after a few moments gravity takes over and the wagon crashes into its upright position, all four wheels on the ground.
"So... What were we doing with this?" Zied asks, once their work is done. "Those wheels are gooing to be rough..." Looking up and down, and all around Zied has a last suggestion. "If we're moving this. Ed and myself can act as wheels, while you two pull or push?"
Working together, you get the wagon moving. One foot, two feet. With incredible effort, and with several tense moments when a slight trembling in the ground is felt, you manage to get the wagon back up onto the road and situated on the bridge.
(Everyone who assisted gains 1 level of exhaustion.)
Even if the main weight was pulled by others, it was still heavy. And late too - now they definitely had no time to return or move forward. "I think we are as secure as one can feel in this cursed place."At least it looked like it - rocks under feet and running water between them and anything else. "I was thinking... Grano might be able to find the shop. We can send a message to Bildrath about his goods." If there were no objections (and they were able to find a piece of paper and something to write on it (in the worst case, blood would work just fine) the letter was written and the little owl was sent on his way to deliver it.
"Do you mind if I take the last shift? Could use some rest right now." The group had plenty of rations now and the cloth made inside of the wagon cozy enough for a goodnight's sleep. Alessa fully utilized both.
Feeling more exhausted than he has in a very long while. Feeling the thum of his oddities straining, thinking to himself how thats a new feeling for this life. Its been a while since true exhaustion. "I think the familiar ladden mail is a fine idea. Although, maybe in the morning. We'd be remiced to not have an extra pair of senses at night. Furthermore, at night its more likely to be eaten by something I bet-or killed on arrival." Shifting around for lack of paper, he instead takes a scrap of wood and canvas. "As for the message itself? If it can carry some scraps of canvas or wood. I could etch a message or two." Zied offers Alessa's plans.
"As for the shifts. I'm fine with whichever shift. I'd prefer to rest earlier and stay awake the later half. It would give me some time to prepare some supplies for tomorrow." shaking some of his supplies-clinking of metal and glass vials emphesizing his thoughts. "Yet, out of the four of us, I'm probably in the best shape right now."
Having offered his plans and preferences, he looks to Seszu and Ed, and then Alessa for their preferences. "I am however resting in my Atlier regardless. I can take in our supplies, the shipment-if we intend to return it- and bring out some tools we might need."
Ed sags down after the effort of moving the cart. Though he had restored himself during the battle, the exertions of the day had him weary and looking forward to rest. "Let me take the first watch. I fear that should I fall asleep and not wake that it would ve bad for us all in this place, and Lathander knows I feel worse than I did last night. I have a blade and a shield, so fear little from the local inhabitants."
Ed He starts to use the cancas and shape out some cover for the three of them that will have to face the elements tonight. Also scanning around for dried wood so near to the river, he checks with the group, "I would like to gather some suitable fuel and have a fire ready should there be need of it. Light I can conjure, fire though still scares some beasts away and the warmth may be welcome. I do not know whether the risk of being more visible is a boon or a bane though."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sezsu stretches his aching back after the exertion and shakes each leg in turn to get the pain out of his feet. He examines their handiwork and looks to the others with an affirming nod.
Seeing Alessa's state, he offers a measure of healing to help the process on its way as he casts healing word for 5hp.
"I'm not worried about Bildrath. Getting word to him before (or if) we return won't do us or him any good. He'll find out when he finds out. But Zied's right: More eyes is better while we're keeping watch. I'll take second watch and let you two sleep longer. If Alessa takes last watch, that should give Zied plenty of time to tinker about with his toys without being distracted by keeping an eye out in the dark. But for now..." He stretches and lets out a huge yawn. "...I'm ready to pass out right where I stand."
He climbs into the back of the wagon, unrolls his newly acquired bedroll, wiggles in, and promptly falls asleep.
(once all that stuff is proccessed. but just posting this due to how my night might go~)
Finding himself surprisingly unwounded, despite the last occasion. Looking at his injured and bloodied companions, it might have been better the other way around. "Well, the cargo is effectively.. "lost" at this point. We sure can't bring it back. I doubt that guy would want to. So. Lets help ourselves to what we can before those creatures return. We need to get back somewhere safe...er...." As he starts to look around for anything useful he continues "Ismark was not joking when he stated this whole area is dangerous and everything wants to eat you."
Investigation I assume 18 + memories bonus. as he reminded of the past from Alessa's near death and Ed being sliced deeply. 6
Alessa's magic missiles streak through the air in a vengeful trajectory, disappearing into the ground before a muffled boom-boom-boom is heard. Zied's pebble bounces off of the mouth of the hole, tumbling down into the hole...
Bang!
The ground trembles then an explosion of mud, pebbles, chitin, and gore flies up from the ground about 10 feet away.
"Awww... I was just about to jump down and return the favour but I guess you guys beat me to it!" Ed looks around at his companions, the aftermath clearly showing hat they barely came out on top. "Are you two alright?" The question directed towards Alessa and Sezsu, "That first one hit me like a battering ram, you two look like you got even worse. I have a little healing left in me if you need it?"
"I'd be worried about the ground here abouts with the holes those things dug, and the one that got away. Lets just hope they aren't territorial creatures. Speaking of... does anyone know what they were?" Ed takes a moment to check the ground and the explosion of creature from within. He picks up pieces of the creature's hide, looking to see if any of the pieces are even close to shield sized.
"I'd still like something to take back and throw in Bildrath's face though. We have recovered his shipment after all... Just not in the condition he was hoping for."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Nature check, DC 12, to identify the insects:
ankhegs
Muddied, bloodied, and maybe a little shell-shocked, you examine the cargo hold of the wagon. Tussled around, some of it exposed to the elements, some of it splattered with dried blood, you do find that the wagon is loaded with inventory. Several large, tightly bound bundles of clothes, as well as backpacks, bedrolls, mess kits, torches rations, and water skins have been left behind. Whatever accosted the wagon's driver and lead animals, it clearly was not interested in supplies. (In total here you find Bildrath's clothing shipment, and the equivalent of four complete explorer's packs.)
There is also quite a bit of salvageable insect meat, and a sizable amount of chitin of various shapes and sizes. Although a bit misshapen, and adorned with vicious-looking spikes at irregular angles, the material would make for serviceable shields. (There is enough for three shields.)
Zied Nature Check, also rolling Cook Tools to figure out how well it can be cooked!
4 Nature
21 Cookery!
"Well, We're claiming some of this. and we might as well take his clothing if possible. We took a beating-again. but it is likely worth it." having organized the packs into placement. "Not the cleanest things, these shields but they seem worth while. One for each of us three, Unless Alessa wants one?"
Examinig the vertiable load of items we acquired. "If we want, I can pack away the supplies we salvaged, as well as some bug meat into my atleier for now. We return to the town, with the shipment. I think we might be able to make it before dark? We need rest... and we need to prepare for this world. We don't even know if these creatures, Ankheg's now that I can look closer are common here or not. Either way I'd like to sleep closer to town for the night.. or on that bridge if ther aren't ghost parades here."
"It's a bad omen to turn back once you set off." Alessandra would never admit her familiarity with such superstition (which her old nursemaid had for almost any occasion) but in Barovia every nonsense suddenly made a lot of sense. "Besides, it is almost four hours walk by now and it is almost dark." She also was not sure she'll make it. Quite possibly Sezsu would need some rest too. "But I do like the idea of the bridge. Even if some troll lived under it at some point, it would be eaten up by those monsters by now and the bridge should be safe." The joke was not really funny, but Alessa was a bit out of shape for the witty remarks. "Even if we make all the way back... Not sure sisters will be happy to let us in. We might end up sleeping in the church." She shuddered even thinking about the possibility.
Alessa declined the kind offer of a shield ("need both hands free") but it was harder to refuse other items. Clean clothes, rations, torches - all of these were so much needed in their situation. "We might as well take some goods. We already bled for them even. Do you think we can push the wagon on the bridge? Looks like the most comfortable thing to sleep in we can find around but I am not sure about the spot it is standing on."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ed gather up a pack out of the gear Zied uncovered. He nods at Alessa's concerns, "I feel no urgency to return these things to Bildrath. We should look to our own needs first, even if we return these goods we have little coin to be able to purchase armor. No, I think that pushing onto the village is teh best course ahead of us. Certainly if those ankhegs are prevalent in this area, the safety of camping over water seems prudent."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"Do we camp on the bridge itself, or next to it? We should check whats under as well as in the waters... Well. I should. I took the least beating." Awaiting input, he'll continue with their sleep plans. "Do we leave the cart here. Or are we wanting to drag and try to use it? Its not small- but it might be a barrier at least."
quick work post~
Suzsu looks back and forth between his companions as they talk, still sitting in the dirt catching his breath and inspecting his wounds. With a grunt, he hefts himself back up to his feet.
"To be perfectly honest, I'd feel safer in a tree than on the bridge. But I'm not sure I'd make it up a tree in this state. But speaking of which... I guess we'll need to right this wagon somehow if we want to move it for shelter."
He looks around for a fallen tree branch and a nearby stone or stump to use as a large lever to help tip the wagon back onto its wheels and takes a moment to confer some guidance (bend at the waist and lift with a twisting, jerking motion) before giving it his best.
(Going to give [presumably] Ed advantage & a d4 towards the strength check to get that wagon right-side-up.)
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
STR check: 12
"Using the wagon seems fitting, it would certainly offer several benefits to us. Whether I can move it though will be an ask, this looks in a worse state than Granny's cart was." So saying, Ed carefully wanders over to the cart, placing his sword and shield - which you notice have been firmly in his grasp since the attack - on a rocky surface that he most judges to be stable. He braces himself and tries to right the cart.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Try as Ed might, the wagon remains firmly embedded in the mud. You also notice that two of the wheels are broken, rendering the wagon immobile regardless.
Watching Eds struggles, as well as how the cart moves, tips, and yet remains stuck. Zied ponders for a moment. "It might take all of us huh." Removing his Rope of Climbing. Commanding it to wrap itself around the main bulk of the cart, then taking his lead. Zied walks over to the closest tree that appears decently sturdy. Taking the length around it creating something of a pully he plants his feet, tying his rope around his waist. "Ok, everyone, lets try this together. Tug of war." As everyone grabs on, Zied starts to count "One." they pull. "two" they release for a moment, "one" they pull again. Continuing trying to move it inch by inch until it tips once again.
If this is a Str check. I'd rather use Ed's bonus if possible I'll roll in spoiler and GM can decide whose modifier to try. Given Zied's intention is we all yoink..
11 . If this is a Str or Athletics check add 2 to this roll. if its just Str. well I have no bonus.
Add guidance 2
The wagon seems to groan as it's pulled free from the mud. Solidly constructed of wood, the weight is substantial. But after a few moments gravity takes over and the wagon crashes into its upright position, all four wheels on the ground.
"So... What were we doing with this?" Zied asks, once their work is done. "Those wheels are gooing to be rough..." Looking up and down, and all around Zied has a last suggestion. "If we're moving this. Ed and myself can act as wheels, while you two pull or push?"
Working together, you get the wagon moving. One foot, two feet. With incredible effort, and with several tense moments when a slight trembling in the ground is felt, you manage to get the wagon back up onto the road and situated on the bridge.
(Everyone who assisted gains 1 level of exhaustion.)
Even if the main weight was pulled by others, it was still heavy. And late too - now they definitely had no time to return or move forward. "I think we are as secure as one can feel in this cursed place." At least it looked like it - rocks under feet and running water between them and anything else. "I was thinking... Grano might be able to find the shop. We can send a message to Bildrath about his goods." If there were no objections (and they were able to find a piece of paper and something to write on it (in the worst case, blood would work just fine) the letter was written and the little owl was sent on his way to deliver it.
"Do you mind if I take the last shift? Could use some rest right now." The group had plenty of rations now and the cloth made inside of the wagon cozy enough for a goodnight's sleep. Alessa fully utilized both.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Feeling more exhausted than he has in a very long while. Feeling the thum of his oddities straining, thinking to himself how thats a new feeling for this life. Its been a while since true exhaustion.
"I think the familiar ladden mail is a fine idea. Although, maybe in the morning. We'd be remiced to not have an extra pair of senses at night. Furthermore, at night its more likely to be eaten by something I bet-or killed on arrival." Shifting around for lack of paper, he instead takes a scrap of wood and canvas. "As for the message itself? If it can carry some scraps of canvas or wood. I could etch a message or two." Zied offers Alessa's plans.
"As for the shifts. I'm fine with whichever shift. I'd prefer to rest earlier and stay awake the later half. It would give me some time to prepare some supplies for tomorrow." shaking some of his supplies-clinking of metal and glass vials emphesizing his thoughts. "Yet, out of the four of us, I'm probably in the best shape right now."
Having offered his plans and preferences, he looks to Seszu and Ed, and then Alessa for their preferences. "I am however resting in my Atlier regardless. I can take in our supplies, the shipment-if we intend to return it- and bring out some tools we might need."
Ed sags down after the effort of moving the cart. Though he had restored himself during the battle, the exertions of the day had him weary and looking forward to rest. "Let me take the first watch. I fear that should I fall asleep and not wake that it would ve bad for us all in this place, and Lathander knows I feel worse than I did last night. I have a blade and a shield, so fear little from the local inhabitants."
Ed He starts to use the cancas and shape out some cover for the three of them that will have to face the elements tonight. Also scanning around for dried wood so near to the river, he checks with the group, "I would like to gather some suitable fuel and have a fire ready should there be need of it. Light I can conjure, fire though still scares some beasts away and the warmth may be welcome. I do not know whether the risk of being more visible is a boon or a bane though."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Sezsu stretches his aching back after the exertion and shakes each leg in turn to get the pain out of his feet. He examines their handiwork and looks to the others with an affirming nod.
Seeing Alessa's state, he offers a measure of healing to help the process on its way as he casts healing word for 5hp.
"I'm not worried about Bildrath. Getting word to him before (or if) we return won't do us or him any good. He'll find out when he finds out. But Zied's right: More eyes is better while we're keeping watch. I'll take second watch and let you two sleep longer. If Alessa takes last watch, that should give Zied plenty of time to tinker about with his toys without being distracted by keeping an eye out in the dark. But for now..." He stretches and lets out a huge yawn. "...I'm ready to pass out right where I stand."
He climbs into the back of the wagon, unrolls his newly acquired bedroll, wiggles in, and promptly falls asleep.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age