Batair lays his hand (uses 'Lay on Hands') upon each of the returned villagers' shoulders, healing some vitality (restore 3 hp each, let's say) and bolstering any comfort or courage he can in them as a Paladin of the people in turn.
"Friends, on oath, just as we saved you, so also are we hear to save your children." he says with strong presence, bright eyes, and a warm smile. "Now, please, tell your new friend, the Paladin, what you can about your children's disappearance."
If the party is taking a short rest, and if the villagers are no longer accusing the party, Lyra will start up with her harmonica again, soothing tones and chords.
Song of Rest: anyone using hit die to heal during the short rest can add a (single) extra 1d8 to their healing.
"No, we were never captured." The speaker for the four villagers says. "We stumbled around out there in that blizzard until you came along." He looks a bit embarrassed. "Sorry for attacking you like that, we were not really in our right minds, the cold out there was just so bad..." The other three nod their heads, looking ashamed.
They answer your questions freely, and honestly, but you learn nothing new. They only know what the other villagers knew, and would tell you the same things.
You get a short rest here though, so can update your sheets accordingly.
Lyra does not know this spell yet as it is 6th level and she only has 5th level spells, but she wonders what magic would make the villagers ambush the party (as snowmen). Could Mass Suggestion be at work? (That is at least a Bard spell she would have heard of).
She continues her Song of Rest, giving the any party members using hit dice to heal during the short rest an extra single 1d8 hp healing.
Lyra also uses the last 10 mins of the short rest (or after the short rest if necessary) to cast Rary's Telepathic Bond again as a ritual for all accepting party members. Lasts an hour, so the first one is gone.
If the party gets going and suffers no further mishaps to that point, when they just pass the area of the earlier snowman ambush,Lyra will also use a 4th level spell slot to cast Armor of Agathys on herself. (Marking it off now, but let me know if anything happens before that which would cause a change in course).
"Well, glad we can have ye all back safely." Batair chortles.
He turns with a more serious look toward his party.
"We've saved half of those missing, but the children remain... I may have a skill of aid to us in this endeavor, but honing it to an exact creature, I cannot do."
While the others are talking to the villagers Donlas tries to keep a low profile again, tending to his wounds:
Song of rest: 3
Hit die:47
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
After the short rest you get back out into the snow and quickly bypass the same area you had fought the snomen at before. There is very little to show the area as anything but more trail, as the constant snowfall has obliterated even the signs of your battle.
As the party ascends further, they come to the gaping mouth of a cave in the side of the mountain. Any character with a Passive Perception of 11 or higher notices the sound of voices and movement coming from within the cave. The cave entrance itself is left unguarded. The cave itself is dimly lit by torches hanging on the walls. There are some assorted tools, food scraps, bedrolls, and a small campfire scattered around near the cave entrance. As you venture through the tunnel leading deeper into the cave, the sounds of activity grow louder.
The tunnel led to a wide room in the cave. This was the spot where the kids were enslaved. Kobold guards stood on duty, cursing the "brats," Their heads all adorned with red Christmas hats. The kobolds were wielding small swords and long whips. And they barked out commands as loud yelps and shrill yips. Chained to wood tables were the girls and the boys. Forced to cobble together some hideous toys.
Let me know how you approach the chamber with the children working. If sneaking I will need stealth rolls from everyone. If you wished to do anything, prior to entering the cave, such as the casting of the armor of agathys mentioned earlier, then that can be considered done prior to entering.
After the short rest you get back out into the snow and quickly bypass the same area you had fought the snomen at before. There is very little to show the area as anything but more trail, as the constant snowfall has obliterated even the signs of your battle.
As the party ascends further, they come to the gaping mouth of a cave in the side of the mountain. Any character with a Passive Perception of 11 or higher notices the sound of voices and movement coming from within the cave. The cave entrance itself is left unguarded. The cave itself is dimly lit by torches hanging on the walls. There are some assorted tools, food scraps, bedrolls, and a small campfire scattered around near the cave entrance. As you venture through the tunnel leading deeper into the cave, the sounds of activity grow louder.
The tunnel led to a wide room in the cave. This was the spot where the kids were enslaved. Kobold guards stood on duty, cursing the "brats," Their heads all adorned with red Christmas hats. The kobolds were wielding small swords and long whips. And they barked out commands as loud yelps and shrill yips. Chained to wood tables were the girls and the boys. Forced to cobble together some hideous toys.
Let me know how you approach the chamber with the children working. If sneaking I will need stealth rolls from everyone. If you wished to do anything, prior to entering the cave, such as the casting of the armor of agathys mentioned earlier, then that can be considered done prior to entering.
((Batair has no stealthy ability at all... sneaking is nearly impossible for him. He will...however..))
Hearing what comes from the cavern, Batair uses his Divine Sense with hope of detecting any undead which may reside within.
Lyra definitely does cast Armor of Agathys at the 4th level as we get to this area. Already marked off character sheet and added temp HPs.
She is definitely trying to be stealthy once she gets close (not sure if we have yet?). Anyway, here's the Stealth check for when we need it: 20
How many kobolds do we see and do they seem to have a leader? Lyra knows draconic so if she can hear them, she might understand what they are saying.
If she can identify a leader, she whispers to the group (or via Rary's Telepathic Bond if possible) that she may try to confuse the kobolds by casting Suggestion on the leader to ask the other kobolds to free the kids in order to transport them to another, better location or some such justification, then head deeper into the cave for a meeting, hoping the party can then just take the kids and get them out of harm's way. But she wants to hear other ideas from the party if they have any. She doubts this will be that easy.
As they approach the cave and hear what is mingling inside, Kosmos watches his other mates prepare for battle. He decides to try and be as stealthy as he can. He looks at his friends, puts one paw against his lips in a whisper type mannerism and casts Invisibility on himself - poof. Then using the telepathic bond, he says When you're all ready, I'll lead and let you know what's ahead. Let's keep this path of communication open as we go. He pauses, then continues in almost a giddy voice, I have a, uh, bag of tricks that will help distract them when the time comes.
Lyra nods at Kosmos. She will go along with the sneaking in if everyone else agrees and a Suggestion on the kobold leader might be the next fall back before just fighting and grabbing the kids. But she signals telepathically to the party to hold a beat.
Something smells wrong to her. There was a voice in the woods that animated villagers as snowmen who attacked us with snowballs that hit hard. Now we're just going to walk into an unguarded cave mouth and deal with some... kobolds? And then walk out with the abducted kids? Feels too easy. What about the cursed Lich??
She communicates these concerns to the party, telepathically or through whispers as needed.
Lyra has passive Perception25. But if she senses nothing with that, she reaches out actively and tries to sense for any illusions or traps or anything or anyone else hidden. Anything that isn't what it seems with this cave and this workshop, kobolds and kids. Any hidden passageways etc.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
On the way to the path Donlas re-summoned his owl familiar from its pocket dimension. Other than that no pre-activity.
"Going in quiet and surprise them would be best approach; anyone can help Batair to be quiet?"
Stealth: 24
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
"Donlas, do you recognize your any of the children?" Lyra telepathically asks the halfling.
To the paladin, whispering: "Up to you Batair, but I'm thinking 10' behind us so we are still near you, then charge in as needed? Besides, I think you can surprise yourself how quiet you can be."
Bonus action: Bardic Inspiration to Batair. (No harmonica, just whispering encouragement). Add 1d10 to roll in next 10 mins - remember, you might as well use this if you think you failed, because if you still fail, you keep the inspiration (Eloquence Bard Unfailing Inspiration).
Action: help to Batair for Stealth if possible to try to negate his disadvantage.
Batter You detect no undead that is not behind total cover.
Lyra You can see six kobolds in the chamber with the kids. Three look like warriors while the other three look like possible spellcasters. None look like their in charge of the other kobolds.
Everyone You arrive at the chamber without setting off any alarms, the kobolds too occupied with the children it seems to notice you. (The best passive perception of the kobolds was 11, so Batter just made it.)
You have one round before the kobolds can act. Please post what you wish to do, your initiative, and anything else of interest for this round.
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
The cave ahead is about 50 feet by 50 feet. Two tables run down the middle of it, and there is a closed door at the far end. The number of children is not important, so we'll just say there are several and they are all chained to the tables.
Donlas would definitely recognize all of the kids, as they are the children from his village.
Need Batter and Kosmos to post initiative still, and need everyone to post actions.
Batair lays his hand (uses 'Lay on Hands') upon each of the returned villagers' shoulders, healing some vitality (restore 3 hp each, let's say) and bolstering any comfort or courage he can in them as a Paladin of the people in turn.
"Friends, on oath, just as we saved you, so also are we hear to save your children." he says with strong presence, bright eyes, and a warm smile. "Now, please, tell your new friend, the Paladin, what you can about your children's disappearance."
If the party is taking a short rest, and if the villagers are no longer accusing the party, Lyra will start up with her harmonica again, soothing tones and chords.
Song of Rest: anyone using hit die to heal during the short rest can add a (single) extra 1d8 to their healing.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"No, we were never captured." The speaker for the four villagers says. "We stumbled around out there in that blizzard until you came along." He looks a bit embarrassed. "Sorry for attacking you like that, we were not really in our right minds, the cold out there was just so bad..." The other three nod their heads, looking ashamed.
They answer your questions freely, and honestly, but you learn nothing new. They only know what the other villagers knew, and would tell you the same things.
You get a short rest here though, so can update your sheets accordingly.
Lyra does not know this spell yet as it is 6th level and she only has 5th level spells, but she wonders what magic would make the villagers ambush the party (as snowmen). Could Mass Suggestion be at work? (That is at least a Bard spell she would have heard of).
Arcana check if necessary: 6
Investigation check if necessary: 7
She continues her Song of Rest, giving the any party members using hit dice to heal during the short rest an extra single 1d8 hp healing.
Lyra also uses the last 10 mins of the short rest (or after the short rest if necessary) to cast Rary's Telepathic Bond again as a ritual for all accepting party members. Lasts an hour, so the first one is gone.
If the party gets going and suffers no further mishaps to that point, when they just pass the area of the earlier snowman ambush, Lyra will also use a 4th level spell slot to cast Armor of Agathys on herself. (Marking it off now, but let me know if anything happens before that which would cause a change in course).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"Well, glad we can have ye all back safely." Batair chortles.
He turns with a more serious look toward his party.
"We've saved half of those missing, but the children remain... I may have a skill of aid to us in this endeavor, but honing it to an exact creature, I cannot do."
While the others are talking to the villagers Donlas tries to keep a low profile again, tending to his wounds:
Song of rest: 3
Hit die:47
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Kosmos sits in wonder on how the villagers would turn on them and not even know they were doing it? What type of creature are we up against?
As he also warms his tail by the fire, he appreciates the music Lyra is playing and enjoys the soothing tones.
Song of rest: 7
Hit Die: 17
11
6
After the short rest you get back out into the snow and quickly bypass the same area you had fought the snomen at before. There is very little to show the area as anything but more trail, as the constant snowfall has obliterated even the signs of your battle.
As the party ascends further, they come to the gaping mouth of a cave in the side of the mountain. Any character with a Passive Perception of 11 or higher notices the sound of voices and movement coming from within the cave. The cave entrance itself is left unguarded. The cave itself is dimly lit by torches hanging on the walls. There are some assorted tools, food scraps, bedrolls, and a small campfire scattered around near the cave entrance. As you venture through the tunnel leading deeper into the cave, the sounds of activity grow louder.
The tunnel led to a wide room in the cave.
This was the spot where the kids were enslaved.
Kobold guards stood on duty, cursing the "brats,"
Their heads all adorned with red Christmas hats.
The kobolds were wielding small swords and long whips.
And they barked out commands as loud yelps and shrill yips.
Chained to wood tables were the girls and the boys.
Forced to cobble together some hideous toys.
Let me know how you approach the chamber with the children working. If sneaking I will need stealth rolls from everyone. If you wished to do anything, prior to entering the cave, such as the casting of the armor of agathys mentioned earlier, then that can be considered done prior to entering.
((Batair has no stealthy ability at all... sneaking is nearly impossible for him. He will...however..))
Hearing what comes from the cavern, Batair uses his Divine Sense with hope of detecting any undead which may reside within.
Lyra definitely does cast Armor of Agathys at the 4th level as we get to this area. Already marked off character sheet and added temp HPs.
She is definitely trying to be stealthy once she gets close (not sure if we have yet?). Anyway, here's the Stealth check for when we need it: 20
How many kobolds do we see and do they seem to have a leader? Lyra knows draconic so if she can hear them, she might understand what they are saying.
If she can identify a leader, she whispers to the group (or via Rary's Telepathic Bond if possible) that she may try to confuse the kobolds by casting Suggestion on the leader to ask the other kobolds to free the kids in order to transport them to another, better location or some such justification, then head deeper into the cave for a meeting, hoping the party can then just take the kids and get them out of harm's way. But she wants to hear other ideas from the party if they have any. She doubts this will be that easy.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
As they approach the cave and hear what is mingling inside, Kosmos watches his other mates prepare for battle. He decides to try and be as stealthy as he can. He looks at his friends, puts one paw against his lips in a whisper type mannerism and casts Invisibility on himself - poof. Then using the telepathic bond, he says When you're all ready, I'll lead and let you know what's ahead. Let's keep this path of communication open as we go. He pauses, then continues in almost a giddy voice, I have a, uh, bag of tricks that will help distract them when the time comes.
Lyra nods at Kosmos. She will go along with the sneaking in if everyone else agrees and a Suggestion on the kobold leader might be the next fall back before just fighting and grabbing the kids. But she signals telepathically to the party to hold a beat.
Something smells wrong to her. There was a voice in the woods that animated villagers as snowmen who attacked us with snowballs that hit hard. Now we're just going to walk into an unguarded cave mouth and deal with some... kobolds? And then walk out with the abducted kids? Feels too easy. What about the cursed Lich??
She communicates these concerns to the party, telepathically or through whispers as needed.
Lyra has passive Perception 25. But if she senses nothing with that, she reaches out actively and tries to sense for any illusions or traps or anything or anyone else hidden. Anything that isn't what it seems with this cave and this workshop, kobolds and kids. Any hidden passageways etc.
Active Perception check, at advantage due to Sentinel Shield: 13
((OOC: it is almost impossible to roll worse at advantage than I just did))
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"I can'ot sneak." Batair grunts. "I'll either need to lead the charge or bring up the rear."
On the way to the path Donlas re-summoned his owl familiar from its pocket dimension. Other than that no pre-activity.
"Going in quiet and surprise them would be best approach; anyone can help Batair to be quiet?"
Stealth: 24
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
"Donlas, do you recognize your any of the children?" Lyra telepathically asks the halfling.
To the paladin, whispering: "Up to you Batair, but I'm thinking 10' behind us so we are still near you, then charge in as needed? Besides, I think you can surprise yourself how quiet you can be."
Bonus action: Bardic Inspiration to Batair. (No harmonica, just whispering encouragement). Add 1d10 to roll in next 10 mins - remember, you might as well use this if you think you failed, because if you still fail, you keep the inspiration (Eloquence Bard Unfailing Inspiration).
Action: help to Batair for Stealth if possible to try to negate his disadvantage.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Batair nods, staying behind the group, and reluctantly gives stealth a try.
(12)
(I'm not sure I rolled that right, but either way...)
Clunkily, his heavy armor and barrel-like body tries to keep quieter than his usual bravado and cavalier nature of fighting.
Batter
You detect no undead that is not behind total cover.
Lyra
You can see six kobolds in the chamber with the kids. Three look like warriors while the other three look like possible spellcasters. None look like their in charge of the other kobolds.
Everyone
You arrive at the chamber without setting off any alarms, the kobolds too occupied with the children it seems to notice you. (The best passive perception of the kobolds was 11, so Batter just made it.)
You have one round before the kobolds can act. Please post what you wish to do, your initiative, and anything else of interest for this round.
Lyra's initiative, advantage due to Sentinel Shield: 24
I have a couple more questions before choosing what to do - posted in OOC. Also wanting to know telepathically if Donlas recognizes any of the kiddos.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Donlas initiative: 18
Owl familiar initiative: 17
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
The cave ahead is about 50 feet by 50 feet. Two tables run down the middle of it, and there is a closed door at the far end. The number of children is not important, so we'll just say there are several and they are all chained to the tables.
Donlas would definitely recognize all of the kids, as they are the children from his village.
Need Batter and Kosmos to post initiative still, and need everyone to post actions.
Map