Zeke and Krog both come up short but Alistair finds a leather cord around one of the Hobgoblin's necks. Hanging from the cord are about a dozen wedding bands of various metals and quality. All together, they should fetch you another 8 silver.
Alistair kneels beside the fallen hobgoblin, the metallic tang of blood heavy in the air. His fingers brush against a leather cord around the creature's neck, and with a grim curiosity, he pulls it free. A dozen or so crude rings hang from the cord, wedding bands of various metals, all tarnished and dull. These were not trophies of love, but of conquest, grim reminders of lives stolen and hearths extinguished. Visions of couples, hands clasped in wedded bliss, flicker in his mind. He briefly recoils, the image of Fierna, her eyes glowing with cruel amusement, replaces the fleeting sentiment. These are trinkets, mere baubles compared to the power she offers. He tosses the cord with the rings to Krog. "Eight silver, by my reckoning." His voice is flat, devoid of emotion.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Krog will eye the rings with sadness, and offer up a prayer for the victims, "I wonder who is behind this Black Eagle Barony. Is it a clan of Hobgoblins? Or are these Hobgoblins hired thugs? Either way, there appears to be something sinister afoot."
Krog asks for an assist from Alistair to see if we can see tracks from where these Hobgoblins came from. Survival with Advantage 23
With a silent nod, Alistair rises to his feet, his cloak swirling around him like a raven's wing. He was no tracker, but he will help and lend his skills where needed.
Even in the dark of the night, Krog has no trouble picking out the Hobgoblins' trail. So long as the ground doesn't get too rocky, it should be easy enough to backtrack the deep impressions of their heavy, hobnail boots.
Zeke agrees with Krog so builds a fire for dinner - they are still eating food hunted several days ago - and warmth. "We will need to take turns again standing watch. I suggest the order be Alistair, Krog, Brocke, and me. This order should allow the spellcasters enough rest to recharge. We have had some adventures at night - I wonder if we will be visited by a magical stag again? Oh yes. we should also check to see how much further it is until the entrance to this cave that should lead us to the tomb of Iskander Tharkas so we can find that necromancer's spellbook and get a reward."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Alistair pulls his cloak tighter around him as he settles beside Zeke by the crackling fire. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows on his face. He surveys the faces around the fire, their expressions etched with weariness and grim satisfaction. The day's battle still lingers in his mind, a sour note amidst the promise of a warm meal. He grunts his approval of the watch schedule, his gaze flickering towards the treeline. "Black Eagle Barony, you say," he mutters, turning the name over in his mind. "Think there's any chance these hobgoblins are connected to... the tome?" His voice drops to a low murmur, a spark of dark curiosity flickers in his eyes. Was it just a coincidence these hobgoblins appeared on our path? Or is there something more sinister at play, a connection to the very object we seek?
"Black Eagle Barony, you say," he mutters, turning the name over in his mind. "Think there's any chance these hobgoblins are connected to... the tome?" His voice drops to a low murmur, a spark of dark curiosity flickers in his eyes. Was it just a coincidence these hobgoblins appeared on our path? Or is there something more sinister at play, a connection to the very object we seek?
Oh yes. we should also check to see how much further it is until the entrance to this cave that should lead us to the tomb of Iskander Tharkas so we can find that necromancer's spellbook and get a reward."
Survival check, with advantage, to match up the map with visible landmarks and check your current position. DC is 15.
"Black Eagle Barony, you say," he mutters, turning the name over in his mind. "Think there's any chance these hobgoblins are connected to... the tome?" His voice drops to a low murmur, a spark of dark curiosity flickers in his eyes. Was it just a coincidence these hobgoblins appeared on our path? Or is there something more sinister at play, a connection to the very object we seek?
After consulting with Krog, Zeke finally manages to align the visible peaks of the Northwall Mountains with landmarks on the map. Using those to trace backwards it seems that the small band is still on track and, if you keep pace, should have no trouble reaching the pass to the tomb by nightfall. The direct route runs northwest from your camp while the Hobgoblin tracks detour a bit more northward than your ideal route. Without knowing how far it is to the Hobgoblins' camp, it's impossible to know how much backtracking them will delay your journey. What you do know is that the more northern path would be a quicker way out of the forest and into the foothills of the Northwall. Whether or not the would be advantageous is anyone's guess.
Brockes couldn't get the best sleep before or after his watch. The rage within him kept burning and he was itching for the next fight... be it goblin folk or the dangers of the adventure.
As the dawn creeps up and morning rations are shared, Brockes mentioned "I didn't know how I would feel traveling with you all, but the trouble you seem to find along the way makes me glad I joined. Any reason to swing Roxie is what I look forward to." He proceeds to raise a strong drink of some kind or alcohol in the air as a toast. (OOC: Like Irish coffee but in this fantasy world lol).
“Thanks to Krog for putting the map correct side up - turns out that makes a difference. So the question is north to follow the hobgoblins or northwest to the cave with our tome. I have a slight preference to spend a few hours to chase the hobgoblins. I doubt they are here by accident and don’t want them to surprise us in the tomb. But I can understand if folks want to go straight at our destination. Thoughts?”
Krog will say, "We have an idea where the Hobgoblins came from. We should take care of the tomb. The Hobgoblins aren't likely going anywhere. These two may have just been overly optimistic scouts."
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Alistair investigation 20 (2nd roll if advantage 19)
Zeke and Krog both come up short but Alistair finds a leather cord around one of the Hobgoblin's necks. Hanging from the cord are about a dozen wedding bands of various metals and quality. All together, they should fetch you another 8 silver.
Alistair kneels beside the fallen hobgoblin, the metallic tang of blood heavy in the air. His fingers brush against a leather cord around the creature's neck, and with a grim curiosity, he pulls it free. A dozen or so crude rings hang from the cord, wedding bands of various metals, all tarnished and dull. These were not trophies of love, but of conquest, grim reminders of lives stolen and hearths extinguished. Visions of couples, hands clasped in wedded bliss, flicker in his mind. He briefly recoils, the image of Fierna, her eyes glowing with cruel amusement, replaces the fleeting sentiment. These are trinkets, mere baubles compared to the power she offers. He tosses the cord with the rings to Krog. "Eight silver, by my reckoning." His voice is flat, devoid of emotion.
Krog will eye the rings with sadness, and offer up a prayer for the victims, "I wonder who is behind this Black Eagle Barony. Is it a clan of Hobgoblins? Or are these Hobgoblins hired thugs? Either way, there appears to be something sinister afoot."
Krog asks for an assist from Alistair to see if we can see tracks from where these Hobgoblins came from. Survival with Advantage 23
With a silent nod, Alistair rises to his feet, his cloak swirling around him like a raven's wing. He was no tracker, but he will help and lend his skills where needed.
Even in the dark of the night, Krog has no trouble picking out the Hobgoblins' trail. So long as the ground doesn't get too rocky, it should be easy enough to backtrack the deep impressions of their heavy, hobnail boots.
Krog will suggest, "Let's continue our rest. We can follow the tracks in the morning."
Zeke agrees with Krog so builds a fire for dinner - they are still eating food hunted several days ago - and warmth. "We will need to take turns again standing watch. I suggest the order be Alistair, Krog, Brocke, and me. This order should allow the spellcasters enough rest to recharge. We have had some adventures at night - I wonder if we will be visited by a magical stag again? Oh yes. we should also check to see how much further it is until the entrance to this cave that should lead us to the tomb of Iskander Tharkas so we can find that necromancer's spellbook and get a reward."
Alistair pulls his cloak tighter around him as he settles beside Zeke by the crackling fire. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows on his face. He surveys the faces around the fire, their expressions etched with weariness and grim satisfaction. The day's battle still lingers in his mind, a sour note amidst the promise of a warm meal. He grunts his approval of the watch schedule, his gaze flickering towards the treeline. "Black Eagle Barony, you say," he mutters, turning the name over in his mind. "Think there's any chance these hobgoblins are connected to... the tome?" His voice drops to a low murmur, a spark of dark curiosity flickers in his eyes. Was it just a coincidence these hobgoblins appeared on our path? Or is there something more sinister at play, a connection to the very object we seek?
Perception 21
Krog will hear Alistair, "Let's track them and find out in the morning." Krog rolls over and ventures into a dreamless sleep.
(I'm not sure what the perception check here is for. Trying to discern if the hobgoblins have any connection to the tome?)
Survival check, with advantage, to match up the map with visible landmarks and check your current position. DC is 15.
Zeke survival check 4+2=6
”I can’t fit the map, landmarks, and reality together. Anyone else want to look?”
Krog Survival Check with Advantage 23
Sorry for first night watch shift, should have specified
The rest of the night passes without incident.
After consulting with Krog, Zeke finally manages to align the visible peaks of the Northwall Mountains with landmarks on the map. Using those to trace backwards it seems that the small band is still on track and, if you keep pace, should have no trouble reaching the pass to the tomb by nightfall. The direct route runs northwest from your camp while the Hobgoblin tracks detour a bit more northward than your ideal route. Without knowing how far it is to the Hobgoblins' camp, it's impossible to know how much backtracking them will delay your journey. What you do know is that the more northern path would be a quicker way out of the forest and into the foothills of the Northwall. Whether or not the would be advantageous is anyone's guess.
Brockes couldn't get the best sleep before or after his watch. The rage within him kept burning and he was itching for the next fight... be it goblin folk or the dangers of the adventure.
As the dawn creeps up and morning rations are shared, Brockes mentioned "I didn't know how I would feel traveling with you all, but the trouble you seem to find along the way makes me glad I joined. Any reason to swing Roxie is what I look forward to." He proceeds to raise a strong drink of some kind or alcohol in the air as a toast. (OOC: Like Irish coffee but in this fantasy world lol).
“Thanks to Krog for putting the map correct side up - turns out that makes a difference. So the question is north to follow the hobgoblins or northwest to the cave with our tome. I have a slight preference to spend a few hours to chase the hobgoblins. I doubt they are here by accident and don’t want them to surprise us in the tomb. But I can understand if folks want to go straight at our destination. Thoughts?”
Krog will say, "We have an idea where the Hobgoblins came from. We should take care of the tomb. The Hobgoblins aren't likely going anywhere. These two may have just been overly optimistic scouts."