Sensing imminent defeat, Agatha's incorporeal form retreats, seeking refuge behind the veil of her home. Her voice echoes through the air, filling the space with an eerie presence. In her haunting tone, Agatha poses a question, asking if she grants them what they seek, will they promise never to return to her lair.

Vayle takes a moment to consider the proposition, aware of the power and ancient knowledge Agatha possesses. He exchanges a glance with Simon, silently conveying their shared determination. Finally, Vayle steps forward, his voice firm yet respectful. "Agatha." he addresses the ethereal Banshee. "We came seeking your wisdom and guidance. While we respect your request for solitude, our intentions were noble. We only sought answers to help those in need and fulfill our quests." He pauses, allowing his words to sink in, before continuing. "If you can provide us with the information we seek, we promise that we will honor your desire for seclusion. We shall never return to your lair or disturb your solitude again."

His words hang in the air, and for a moment, silence envelops the space. Agatha's voice resounds once more, tinged with a mix of contemplation and a hint of resignation. "Very well." she concedes, her ethereal presence flickering. "I shall grant you the knowledge you seek." With Agatha's reluctant agreement, the atmosphere shifts. Her incorporeal form begins to coalesce, offering a glimpse of her ancient wisdom. The voice that reverberates within her home.

Upon their inquiry, Agatha reveals that she traded Bowgentle's spellbook to a necromancer named Tsernoth from the city of Iriaebor over a century ago. However, she admits that she is unaware of the book's fate since that transaction. Her spectral form flickers with a sense of detachment as she relays this information, her ancient memory unable to provide further details.

Vayle and Simon listen attentively, realizing that their quest to retrieve the spellbook has taken an unexpected turn. The knowledge of its trade to a necromancer raises concerns and presents new challenges. They exchange a brief glance, silently acknowledging the weight of the task ahead. "Thank you, Agatha, for your guidance." Vayle expresses his gratitude, his voice tinged with determination.

Vayle, understanding the urgency of the situation, makes a heartfelt plea to Agatha. He explains that a dear soul's life is hanging by a thread, and the only hope for her recovery lies in the rare herb known as Athelas. Vayle humbly requests Agatha's assistance in acquiring this precious plant, emphasizing the potential for redemption and the chance to restore faith in the healing powers of the Banshee.

Agatha's spectral voice resonates within the confines of her lair, contemplating Vayle's plea. After a brief moment of silence, her ethereal form reappears, bearing a small bundle of dried Athelas leaves. She extends her spectral hand, offering the herb to Vayle. "Take this, Ranger of the North." Agatha's voice echoes with a hint of compassion. "May it serve its purpose in mending the fragile thread of life. But remember, our agreement stands: once you depart, never return to my lair."

Vayle nods appreciatively, gratefully accepting the gift of Athelas from Agatha. He assures her that they will honor their promise and leave promptly, expressing his deep gratitude for her aid in their time of need. With the precious herb in hand, Vayle and Simon prepare to depart, their hearts filled with both hope and a renewed sense of purpose. They exchange a solemn glance, silently affirming their commitment to saving the ailing soul and fulfilling their quest.

Vayle and Simon waste no time as they hasten their journey back to Phandalin, their hearts heavy with the weight of Mirna's impending fate. They push themselves and their horses to the limits, their determination fueled by the urgency of the situation. The miles blur past as they ride through the familiar landscapes, the sounds of their horses' hooves pounding against the earth serving as a constant reminder of the precious time slipping away. As they finally approach the outskirts of Phandalin, exhaustion threatens to overtake them, but they find solace in knowing that they are closer than ever to reaching their destination. With a renewed surge of determination, Vayle and Simon ride into Phandalin, their arrival met with curious glances from the townsfolk. They dismount and rush to the Stonehill Inn, where they left Mirna in Sister Garaele's care. Entering the inn, Vayle's eyes search for Sister Garaele, his gaze filled with an unspoken question. She approaches with a somber expression, her eyes revealing the gravity of the situation. She softly informs Vayle that Mirna's condition has worsened, and time is running out.

Vayle Nature: 3

Sister Garaele Medicine: 24

As Vayle and Sister Garaele enter the workshop inside her house, a sense of purpose fills the air. The room is filled with the earthy scent of herbs and the soft glow of candlelight, creating a serene atmosphere for their important task. Sister Garaele sets to work, her hands steady and confident as she carefully prepares the Athelas. Vayle watches in awe as she skillfully blends the ingredients, her expertise shining through with every precise movement. He offers words of encouragement, his voice laced with genuine admiration for her healing abilities. Feeling a bit out of his element, Vayle attempts to assist by gathering additional herbs and ingredients from the shelves. However, his enthusiasm often leads him to select the wrong herbs or knock over vials in his attempts to show off his knowledge. Sister Garaele chuckles at his antics, finding amusement in his earnest but somewhat clumsy efforts. Their collaboration becomes a dance of skill and lighthearted camaraderie. Sister Garaele's confidence grows, fueled by Vayle's support, and she becomes increasingly adept at crafting the salve. With each step, her doubts fade away, replaced by a sense of purpose and determination.

Finally, after meticulous blending and careful measurements, Sister Garaele unveils the finished salve. It glows with a faint, healing energy, radiating a sense of hope. Vayle can't help but feel a surge of pride, knowing that their combined efforts have led to this moment of triumph. Together, they make their way to Mirna's room in the inn, where Trilena anxiously awaits their return. Mirna lies in bed, her eyes weak but filled with gratitude at their arrival. Vayle and Sister Garaele approach her bedside, the salve cradled in Sister Garaele's hands. With utmost care, Sister Garaele applies the salve to Mirna's affected shoulder, her touch gentle and soothing. The healing properties of the Athelas work their magic, the darkened skin and veins gradually fading away. Mirna's breathing steadies, and color returns to her cheeks as the antidote takes effect.

A collective sigh of relief fills the room as Mirna opens her eyes, her gaze filled with renewed strength and vitality. She sits up, a smile spreading across her face as she thanks Vayle and Sister Garaele for their unwavering dedication. Vayle and Sister Garaele share a moment of quiet satisfaction, their combined efforts having saved a life and brought hope back to Phandalin. The bond between them, forged through their shared trials and triumphs, deepens further as they witness the power of their collaboration. In the days that follow, Mirna's recovery becomes a beacon of hope for the townsfolk of Phandalin.

On the next day, Vayle gathers Sister Garaele, Trilena, and Sildar to share his plan to travel to Thundertree in search of information about the location of Cragmaw Castle, and Gundren. He explains that he believes Thundertree may hold the key to uncovering the castle's whereabouts.

Sister Garaele expresses her concern for Vayle's safety but understands the importance of the mission. She offers her blessings and promises to keep Mirna and the town in her prayers during their absence. Trilena, while worried about Vayle's journey, admires his bravery and determination. She promises to look after Phandalin in his absence and offers him words of encouragement and support. Sildar, as a seasoned adventurer himself, acknowledges the significance of Vayle's quest. He offers his assistance by providing them with a map of the area surrounding Thundertree and shares his knowledge of the region, pointing out possible dangers and landmarks they may encounter.

Vayle expresses his gratitude for their support and reassures them that he will do everything in his power to ensure their safety. He emphasizes that he will only take Simon and Droop with him, as their small group will be better able to navigate the potentially treacherous terrain and keep a low profile. With their farewells exchanged and their preparations complete, Vayle, Simon, and Droop set off towards Thundertree, ready to face the challenges that await them and to unravel the mysteries that lie ahead.

Wilderness Encounter: 8

Wilderness Encounter: 4 Hobgoblins

This squad of hobgoblins is actively seeking the adventurers, hoping to collect on a bounty. They know the location of Cragmaw Castle but won’t provide directions unless they are charmed. One hobgoblin carries a crudely drawn sketch of Simon, with “25 gold pieces for this one” and a symbol of a black spider drawn beneath it.

For the next two days, Vayle, Simon, Ripper and Droop journey through the rugged terrain, following the Triboar Trail and then veering northwest along the western edge of Neverwinter Wood. The landscape is a mix of dense forests, rolling hills, and occasional rocky outcrops. Here is a description of their travel experience:

Day 1:
The party sets out early in the morning, the sun just beginning to rise over the horizon. The air is crisp and invigorating as they make their way along the well-worn Triboar Trail. Tall trees line the path, casting dappled shadows on the ground below. Birds sing melodiously, their songs accompanying the travelers on their journey. They walk steadily, their footsteps crunching on the fallen leaves and twigs that litter the trail. The forest seems alive with activity, small creatures scurrying amidst the underbrush, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife darting through the trees. The scent of pine and earth fills the air, blending with the fresh morning breeze.

As the day progresses, they come across a small stream, its clear waters trickling merrily over smooth stones. They take a brief rest, quenching their thirst and enjoying a simple meal of provisions. The serene surroundings provide a moment of respite, and they soak in the tranquility before continuing on their path. The afternoon brings a gentle drizzle, and the party unfurls their cloaks and hoods to shield themselves from the light rain. The sound of droplets falling on leaves creates a soothing rhythm, adding a touch of serenity to their journey. Despite the weather, their spirits remain high as they press forward, the anticipation of reaching Thundertree fueling their determination.

As evening approaches, they find a suitable spot to set up camp. They gather firewood and kindle a warm fire, its crackling flames offering both light and protection against the encroaching darkness. The night sky reveals itself in all its splendor, stars twinkling overhead and the pale glow of the moon casting a soft glow on the surroundings. They take turns keeping watch, ensuring their safety throughout the night.

Day 2:
With the dawn of the second day, the party resumes their journey, their footsteps leaving imprints on the damp forest floor. The landscape gradually changes, the trees becoming taller and more ancient, their branches reaching skyward like guardians of the woodland. They encounter the remnants of an old stone bridge, its structure worn and weathered by time. They carefully cross the moss-covered stones, the sound of rushing water echoing beneath them. It serves as a reminder of the ancient history that lies within these lands.

The day brings them through a dense thicket, where the undergrowth grows thick and tangled. They navigate through the foliage, occasionally having to veer off the trail to bypass fallen trees and other obstacles. Vines cling to their clothes and branches brush against their skin, nature asserting its dominance over the path they tread. As they venture deeper into the wilderness, the air becomes cooler and more mysterious. Shafts of sunlight penetrate the canopy above, casting ethereal beams that illuminate the forest floor. Shadows dance and sway with the rustling leaves, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, they emerge from the dense woods to a clearing, revealing a breathtaking vista of rolling hills and distant mountain peaks. The landscape opens up before them, a vast expanse of untamed beauty that stretches as far as the eye can see. They pause to take in the sight, appreciating the grandeur of nature's creation. With the sun descending toward the horizon, they find a suitable spot to make camp for the night. They set up their tents, their temporary shelter nestled within nature's embrace.

Hobgoblins Reaction: 5

"We do not wish for any trouble, we are just travelers making our way north to Thundertree. In case you are not aware, with us is a very powerful sorcerer." Vayle pokes Simon. "Oh yes, very powerful, very powerful." With a simple gesture, Simon makes the now almost dead fire from the pit come back roaring. "All that we ask is that you go your way, and we will do likewise."

Vayle Intimidation: 11

Simon Deception: 8

Hobgoblin Insight: 10

As Vayle addresses the Hobgoblins, he adopts a diplomatic tone, emphasizing their peaceful intentions and their journey to the ruins of Thundertree. However, he also delivers a warning, making sure to mention the presence of a formidable sorcerer among them. With a gentle poke, Vayle directs Simon's attention to his role in this encounter. Understanding his cue, Simon focuses his magical abilities, channeling his power into reigniting the almost extinguished fire pit. The flames surge back to life with an unexpected intensity, roaring and crackling in a display of raw power. The sudden burst of heat forces Vayle to take a step back, and even Ripper's fur is singed by the radiant flames.

The Hobgoblins, taken aback by the unexpected display, witness the might of Simon's sorcery. They exchange glances, their indifference replaced by a mixture of awe and caution. The sheer force emanating from the fire pit makes it clear that confronting this group might not be in their best interest. Recognizing the shift in the atmosphere, Vayle maintains a firm yet composed demeanor. He watches as the Hobgoblins, perhaps reevaluating their initial intentions, choose to abandon their aggressive stance and depart without further confrontation. Their footsteps gradually fade away, leaving the party alone once again.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Vayle addresses Simon, a note of pride evident in his voice. "Well done, Simon. Your display of power was enough to give them pause. Let's not linger here any longer. Thundertree awaits, and we must remain vigilant." With Ripper at their side, the party continues their journey, their encounter with the Hobgoblins serving as a reminder of the dangers that lie ahead. As they resume their northward path, they are now more determined than ever to uncover the mysteries of Thundertree and find the elusive Cragmaw Castle.

(https://db4sgowjqfwig.cloudfront.net/campaigns/120086/assets/971354/Thundertree.jpg 736x490)

Gradually, the trail becomes an old, overgrown lane winding between dilapidated buildings choked in vines and brush. Ahead of you, in the middle of the settlement, rises a steep hill, upon which stands a stone tower with a partially collapsed roof and an adjoining cottage. A dirt road hugs the base of the hill and wends its way between old stone houses, many of which are roofless ruins with interiors open to the weather. Other buildings appear more or less intact. The whole place is eerily silent.

A wooden sign is nailed to a post nearby. It reads: “DANGER! Plant monsters AND zombies! Turn back now!”

Vayle, Simon, Ripper, and Droop stand before the ruins of Thundertree, a place fraught with danger as indicated by the warning sign they read. Vayle takes a moment to crouch down, his senses honed as he taps into his Ranger abilities. He concentrates, his connection with the primal forces of nature allowing him to perceive the presence of the surrounding environment. After a brief moment, Vayle rises and delivers the news to his companions. His voice carries a mix of concern and determination. "Well, it seems the sign was accurate. I can sense the presence of undead creatures nearby. But that's not all. There's also a dragon in the vicinity."

The revelation of the dragon's presence hangs in the air, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the party. Vayle's gaze turns to Droop, a hint of humor in his eyes as he poses a question. "Droop, my friend, have you ever had the pleasure of facing a dragon before?" Droop, the goblin companion, looks up at Vayle with wide eyes and a mix of curiosity and trepidation. He shakes his head vigorously, his voice laced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "No, no, Droop never fought dragon! Big, scary creature."

Vayle's expression shifts from jest to seriousness as he pats Droop reassuringly on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Droop. We won't be seeking out the dragon directly. Our main objective is to locate information about Cragmaw Castle. We'll need to tread carefully, avoiding unnecessary conflicts. Let's focus on our goal and be prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead." With their task clearly defined and the presence of undead and a dragon looming over them, the party braces themselves for the trials that await within the ruins of Thundertree. They step forward, ready to navigate the treacherous remnants of the once-vibrant settlement and uncover the secrets that may aid them in their quest.

Vayle Survival: 13

As the group approaches Thundertree from the south, Vayle takes the lead, relying on his keen survival instincts to assess the situation. He carefully scans the surroundings, his eyes trained to spot any tracks or signs that may reveal the presence of inhabitants within the ruins. Vayle's senses this time are exceptionally sharp, and he picks up on several important details. He notices tracks on the ground, a mix of humanoid footprints and clawed impressions left by creatures. The footprints are somewhat faded, indicating that they were made a while ago, but the clawed marks seem fresher, suggesting recent activity.

Examining the footprints more closely, Vayle deduces that they belong to various types of creatures, possibly a mix of humanoids and undead beings. The clawed marks resemble those of smaller creatures, perhaps the plant monsters mentioned on the warning sign they encountered earlier. Vayle's trained instincts allow him to piece together a rough picture of the ruins' inhabitants. It appears that Thundertree is home to a diverse array of creatures, including humanoids and undead, as well as the potential presence of plant-like monsters. The tracks suggest some level of recent activity, indicating that the area might not be entirely abandoned. Armed with this knowledge, Vayle shares his findings with the rest of the group.

Vayle carefully takes the group to the first cottage to his left. He sees that this small house appears to be in better condition than the ruined and dilapidated structures nearby. The doors are reinforced with heavy iron bands, and thick shutters protect the windows. Vayle lightly knocks on the door. After a few moment a gaunt, white-bearded man opens the door, his gaze meeting Vayle's with a mix of curiosity and caution. His weathered face and weary eyes reflect a lifetime of hardships endured within the ruins of Thundertree.

Vayle nods respectfully and speaks in a calm tone, "Greetings, good sir. We are travelers seeking shelter and information about this place. Might we find respite within your humble abode?" The man studies the group for a moment, assessing their intentions. His piercing gaze seems to delve into their very souls, as if searching for truth and sincerity. Finally, he grunts and steps aside, gesturing for them to enter. His actions convey a gruff acceptance.

Inside the cottage, the air feels damp and musty, but it offers a sense of protection from the decaying surroundings. The furniture is sparse and worn, reflecting the harsh conditions of living in Thundertree. The man gestures for the group to take a seat at a sturdy wooden table, while he remains standing, leaning against a nearby wall. Vayle, mindful of the man's reserved demeanor, chooses his words carefully. "We seek information about the ruins, any dangers or notable inhabitants that we should be wary of. We also hope to find any clues regarding the location of Cragmaw Castle."

The man's expression remains stoic as he contemplates the request. He speaks with a gruff and terse tone, keeping his answers concise. "Thundertree is a dangerous place, infested with plant monsters and zombies. Ye won't find much but trouble 'round 'ere. As for Cragmaw Castle, I've heard rumors 'bout it being a haven for goblins. But be warned, the road there is treacherous."

Vayle respectfully addresses the man. "Pardon my oversight. Are you Reidoth? We were told to seek your assistance by Daran Edermath and Qelline Alderleaf. They spoke highly of your knowledge of these lands and mentioned that you might be able to provide directions to Cragmaw Castle."

The man's weathered face softens a bit at the mention of Daran and Qelline. He nods slowly, confirming his identity as Reidoth. "Aye, I am Reidoth. Daran and Qelline are good folks. They speak true about my knowledge of these lands."

He takes a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing, his voice tinged with a mix of caution and concern. "Cragmaw Castle is a dangerous place, infested with goblins. It lies to the southeast, deep within the Neverwinter Wood. Ye'll need to navigate through treacherous paths and be prepared for ambushes. 'Tis no easy journey, but if ye seek to confront the goblin menace, it is the place to go."

Vayle maintains a respectful tone as he addresses Reidoth's wisdom once more by asking if he knows the location of Wave Echo Cave. Reidoth's aged eyes hold a hint of sadness as he speaks. "Wave Echo Cave... a place of great power and peril. Its secrets have been lost to time, and only a select few are meant to discover them. I cannot reveal its location, for it is not yet time. But if you can bring peace to Thundertree and chase off the dragon, then perhaps I may guide you to it."

"Reidoth, your knowledge and guidance have proven invaluable. We understand the significance of Wave Echo Cave and its importance in restoring balance to these lands. However, we must be honest in our assessment. Confronting a dragon at this moment poses a great challenge for our team. We appreciate your offer to guide us there but fear we may not be ready for such a formidable task." Vayle pauses briefly, contemplating their options. "However, we have noticed humanoid tracks leading into Thundertree. Are there any humans or individuals of other races present in the town? Perhaps they can aid us in dealing with the dragon and fulfilling our end of the agreement."

Reidoth's gaze shifts as he considers Vayle's words. His eyes squint slightly, deep in thought. "Aye, there have been reports of humans and others venturing into Thundertree, seeking an audience with the dragon. They may be of assistance to you. Seek them out and see if they can lend their strength to your cause."

Vayle nods gratefully at Reidoth's response. "Thank you, Reidoth. We will pursue this lead and see if we can find allies within Thundertree. We shall do our best to fulfill the favor you have asked of us. Should we succeed, we hope you will honor your part of the agreement and guide us toward Wave Echo Cave."

With a nod of acknowledgment, Reidoth reaffirms his commitment. "If you chase off the dragon and bring peace to Thundertree, I shall honor our agreement and guide you toward Wave Echo Cave when the time is right. May your path be clear and your actions be guided by wisdom."

Vayle and his companions bid farewell to Reidoth once again, their resolve strengthened by the new information they have gained. They set their sights on Thundertree, hopeful that they will find allies who can aid them in their quest to confront the dragon and, in doing so, unveil the path that leads to Wave Echo Cave.

Under the midday sun, Vayle and Simon stand near the path they entered, contemplating their next move. Vayle's gaze sweeps across the ruins of Thundertree, searching for a suitable shelter. His eyes settle upon a building across from Reidoth's to the east, but after a brief assessment, he deems it unsuitable for their needs.

Deciding to explore further, Vayle leads the way, guiding Simon southeast towards a different structure. As they approach, the sight of a mostly intact building comes into view. Its weathered walls stand defiant against time, and a wide chimney looms above, hinting at its past as a smithy. Outside the building, piles of rotted firewood lay scattered, remnants of a forgotten era. With a nod of approval, Vayle recognizes the potential of this shelter. It offers the promise of protection and respite in the midst of the ruins. The companions move closer, their steps echoing softly against the worn cobblestones, as they prepare to investigate the interior and seek the solace they seek within the old smithy's walls.

Vayle Stealth: 12

With a hand gesture, Vayle orders the party to wait outside. He is able to quietly open the old smithy's door. Inside he spots two bodies slumped on the floor.

Vayle Nature: 6

Vayle recognizes the bodies as some kind of Zombies, that would explain the presence of Undead that he sensed earlier. He leave the door semi open. "OK, I see two Zombies on the floor. They are slow undead creatures, so we should try to stay out of melee range. I have an idea." Vayle takes out a torch from his backpack and lights it up. "I will toss it between the two bodies, and you make the fire spread to the two on the floor. After that, we hit them from range, not approaching them unless necessary."

Simon concentrates for a moment. "I am ready." Vayle instructs Ripper and Droop to stay back, then he tosses the torch.

Vayle Athletics: 18