As the final Owlbear falls, the party rejoices as they have conquered a great and worthy foe(s)
Each character gains 525 XP
3x700=2100 2100/4=525
2161+525=2686 XP, So close.
What you guys can do is rest for the night and the next day return to town to complete all the quests that you need to turn in and then leave for Thundertree in the morning.
After all those combats, we should do some RP while traveling to Thundertree. Talk about your character's feelings and how they are feeling about the future/past/present...etc
Near the place where the Neverwinter River emerges from Neverwinter Wood stands the abandoned village of Thundertree. Once, this was a prosperous community on the outskirts of the forest, wealthy from the work of its woodcutters and trappers. Then thirty years ago, the eruption of Mount Hotenow to the north devastated Thundertree. In the wake of the natural disaster, a plague of strange zombies swept over the area, killing or driving off those who survived the eruption.
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!"
The first small house you come to, 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. The wood appears to be freshly milled, unstained, and without paint. Before you can approach the door a gaunt man with a long white beard opens the door. He takes a couple steps out and then stretches for more than 3 full minutes, while you and your companions just stare.
He finally finishes stretching and scratches his back side for a moment. "Well. Come in."
Jyin interrupts, "Oh good sir. what is the meaning of the sign posted on the road."
The druid walks over to Jyin. He flicks his finger against Jyin's huge metal shield, making a ringing sound like a bell. "It's a warning. So travelers don't happen on this town by chance."
"I guess I've got to make a new sign. Huh?" He wanders over to the corner and sits down next to a paint brush with hardened bristles. "Yeah. I've got to make some more paint and clean this brush."
He starts to go to work cracking paint out of an old clay jar and into a mortar and pestol.
Jyin says, "How can we help?"
Reidoth says, "Go outside and grab that old sign. We've got to change the message to read: DANGER Dragon and Plant Monsters and Zombies."
The druid sits cross legged in front of you and reaches out to receive the basket. His eyes widen as he starts sampling the food. "Mmm, jerky. Jam. Stale crackers, not bad. Mmm, pickles."
He takes a small bite from each item, then quickly puts the basket among his things.
"Thank ye kindly. Aderleaf is a dear friend."
"Thanks fer the grub, now git outta here. I may know how to walk among the zombies and twig blights but ever since that young green dragon started nesting in that tower, I've been too afraid to go into Thundertree. But I've all around, even up North near Cragmaw Castle. Been seein' a lot of Orcs up there, fer some reason."
"You may look brave, but believe me, if you see the dragon, don't fight it, you run."
"It's nap time, so keep it down. Unless you have some geography questions about the other local monsters, since I travel all over this region and pass without trace so yeah basically I see everything that's happening and no one ever sees me."
The druid sits cross legged in front of you and reaches out to recieve the basket. His eyes widen as he starts sampling the food. "Mmm, jerky. Jam. Stale crackers, not bad. Mmm, pickles."
He takes a small bite from each item, then quickly puts the basket amoung his things.
"Thank ye kindly. Aderleaf is a dear friend."
"Thanks fer the grub, now git outta here. I may know how to walk amoung the zombies and twig blights but ever since that young green dragon started nesting in that tower, I've been too afraid to go on my rounds."
"You may look brave, but beleive me, if you see the dragon, don't fight it, you run."
"It's nap time, so keep it down. Unless you have some geography questions about the other local monsters, since I travel all over this region and pass without trace so yeah basically I see everything that's happening and no one ever sees me."
“With the whole countryside available, why would you choose to stay here? I was going to say, ‘maybe we could help clean up around here’, but maybe these plants and zombies and … Dragon are welcomed here to keep others away from your own little corner of the world.”
"Maybe a bit of both. Originally, I lured some ash zombies here. Somehow the earthquake 30 years ago created them or unburried them. Either way, as a druid, I couldn't stand by and watch these abominations spread their curse in my woods. So I lured the stragglers here and found the Thundertree ruins trap them nicely. But yea, being their jailor means I'm also a prisoner. Ha, if only she wasn't a Poison Dragon, then she could help me take care of the zombies. What the hells, it's a job."
“Quelline told us you know these lands very well. We are searching for a castle, probably overrun with orcs. I think it’s referred to as Cragmaw Castle. We only knew it was North of Phandalin. But that leaves a lot of land to search. Can you help us out?”
“Quelline told us you know these lands very well. We are searching for a castle, probably overrun with orcs. I think it’s referred to as Cragmaw Castle. We only knew it was North of Phandalin. But that leaves a lot of land to search. Can you help us out?”
"I feel like we are becoming good friends. Here, I'll make you a map."
He takes some powdered paint, from his dried out paint jar and adds some water, mixing it around, until it's a smooth brown rust color. He dips the dry brush in water, relaxing the bristles and picks up some of the paint before artistically illustrating a fine map of the region on a scrap piece of cloth.
"See these are the woods we are in, West Neverwinter Woods. Cragmaw Castle is actually south of here, but you've got to travel through the woods to get there and you can take this path, trust me, you might not be able to see it once you get there, but it's there. And you should be able to find Cragmaw Castle. Let the paint dry and you can keep the map.
Jyin gets teary eyed as he exclaims, "Thank Torm for your generosity and artistry in making this map. If ever you need to join the Order of the Gauntlet, you have my endorsement."
Reidoth replies, "And a fine Paladin like yourself is always welcome to join the Emerald Enclave."
Daewen's brow furrowed slightly as Reidoth spoke of plant monsters and zombies. While not unheard of in the Shadowfell, such creatures held little fear for a ranger who'd honed her skills for centuries amidst the realm's lurking dangers. But the very mention of a dragon sent a jolt through her. Her eyes widened, pupils contracting for a fleeting moment. A ranger thrived in the wilds, yes, but even the most seasoned wouldn't face a dragon head-on. A silent unease settled in her gut, a stark contrast to the usual comfort she found in the embrace of shadows. A hand instinctively drifted to the pommel of her weapon, a familiar gesture from her past. Here, in the harsh light of the waking world, the polished metal gleamed almost challengingly. However, Daewen knew better. This dragon was a threat unlike anything she'd faced before, and a cold tendril of fear snaked its way up her spine despite the warmth of the afternoon sun. She stole a glance at her companions, silently gauging their reactions. This new information demanded a change in strategy, and Daewen, ever the pragmatist, knew they needed to adapt quickly.
Daewen watched the exchange between her companions and Reidoth, a sliver of hope slicing through the ever-present knot of tension in her gut. The map gave them clear directions to the castle eased the immediate pressure, but the ranger in her recognized the treacherous nature of the woods. Still, the news of a dragon in Thundertree loomed large. Unlike the others, a spark of a different kind ignited in her mind – not fear, but a possibility. What if, instead of facing the dragon head-on, they could somehow… befriend it? The idea was audacious, bordering on madness, yet the alternative – charging blindly into a fight they might not win – felt equally reckless. A silent plea formed in her expressive eyes as she glanced towards her companions. Could they be convinced to consider a different approach, one that involved not a weapon, but perhaps a carefully chosen offering or a display of respect for the territorial beast? The notion was unconventional, fraught with risk, yet the silence of the Shadowfell she hailed from whispered a strange hope: perhaps, just perhaps, there was another way.
Jyin turns to Daewen and Vex and says, "This map is exactly what I've been looking for. Now I can complete my mission, on behalf of the Order of the Gauntlet."
Then he looks back at Wilhorn, "Leave this place, we don't need the family heirloom. Let's leave Reidoth in charge of keeping people safe from the dangers of Thundertree."
He looks at his magic sword and touches it to the holy symbol of Torm on his shield. "If only we had a sign, a blessing from Torm to know whether we should confront, or capture, or make a companion of this dragon. Until then, let's just go, I am neither afraid nor am I haphazard in this choice. For the glory of Torm, we shall return to fight this dragon another day.
Jyin turns to Daewen and Vex and says, "This map is exactly what I've been looking for. Now I can complete my mission, on behalf of the Order of the Gauntlet."
Then he looks back at Wilhorn, "Leave this place, we don't need the family heirloom. Let's leave Reidoth in charge of keeping people safe from the dangers of Thundertree."
He looks at his magic sword and touches it to the holy symbol of Torm on his shield. "If only we had a sign, a blessing from Torm to know whether we should confront, or capture, or make a companion of this dragon. Until then, let's just go, I am neither afraid nor am I haphazard in this choice. For the glory of Torm, we shall return to fight this dragon another day.
“I am inclined to agree. We can return later to parley with a dragon … and search for lost heirlooms. Gundren is still out there and perhaps still within reach of saving. What say you two, Daewen and Vex?”
Wilhorn’s eyes linger on Vex and Dorah as he contemplates how a conversation with a dragon might go, given our party make up.
Round 6
Jyin
Vex, Wilhorn, Daewen << your turn
O1 (dead)
O2 (dead)
O2 (18/59, bane)
“C’mon boy! One more try!” Wilhorn urges Drool to dogpile the last owlbear.
Attack: 11 + 3(modifier) Damage: 5 + 1(modifier) piercing.
DC 11 STR Save (-1d4) or prone on hit.
Wilhorn launches another Eldritch Blast.
Attack: 25 Damage: 14 force.
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
Leif Pedersen - Human Druid - Beyond the Ragnarök
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
More whiffs?! Let’s find out!
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
O2 takes 6 damage (12/59) and attempts a Strength Save DC 11 vs bane 2, 8
O2 takes 14 damage. O2 (-2/59)
O2 takes 6 damage. O2 (-8/59)
As the final Owlbear falls, the party rejoices as they have conquered a great and worthy foe(s)
Each character gains 525 XP
3x700=2100
2100/4=525
2161+525=2686 XP, So close.
What you guys can do is rest for the night and the next day return to town to complete all the quests that you need to turn in and then leave for Thundertree in the morning.
After all those combats, we should do some RP while traveling to Thundertree. Talk about your character's feelings and how they are feeling about the future/past/present...etc
Near the place where the Neverwinter River emerges from Neverwinter Wood stands the abandoned village of Thundertree. Once, this was a prosperous community on the outskirts of the forest, wealthy from the work of its woodcutters and trappers. Then thirty years ago, the eruption of Mount Hotenow to the north devastated Thundertree. In the wake of the natural disaster, a plague of strange zombies swept over the area, killing or driving off those who survived the eruption.
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!"
The first small house you come to, 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. The wood appears to be freshly milled, unstained, and without paint. Before you can approach the door a gaunt man with a long white beard opens the door. He takes a couple steps out and then stretches for more than 3 full minutes, while you and your companions just stare.
He finally finishes stretching and scratches his back side for a moment. "Well. Come in."
“Are you Reidoth? We were told he might be found here.”
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
Leif Pedersen - Human Druid - Beyond the Ragnarök
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
As all five of you cram into the very small one room cottage, the man closes one eye as he looks directly at you before speaking, "Yup."
Jyin interrupts, "Oh good sir. what is the meaning of the sign posted on the road."
The druid walks over to Jyin. He flicks his finger against Jyin's huge metal shield, making a ringing sound like a bell. "It's a warning. So travelers don't happen on this town by chance."
"I guess I've got to make a new sign. Huh?" He wanders over to the corner and sits down next to a paint brush with hardened bristles. "Yeah. I've got to make some more paint and clean this brush."
He starts to go to work cracking paint out of an old clay jar and into a mortar and pestol.
Jyin says, "How can we help?"
Reidoth says, "Go outside and grab that old sign. We've got to change the message to read: DANGER Dragon and Plant Monsters and Zombies."
“Reidoth, a kindly halfling woman from Phandalin asked us to bring you this, should we find you.”
With that, Wilhorn presents him with the jerky and care pack from Qelline Alderleaf.
”Wait! Dragon?”
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
Leif Pedersen - Human Druid - Beyond the Ragnarök
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
The druid sits cross legged in front of you and reaches out to receive the basket. His eyes widen as he starts sampling the food. "Mmm, jerky. Jam. Stale crackers, not bad. Mmm, pickles."
He takes a small bite from each item, then quickly puts the basket among his things.
"Thank ye kindly. Aderleaf is a dear friend."
"Thanks fer the grub, now git outta here. I may know how to walk among the zombies and twig blights but ever since that young green dragon started nesting in that tower, I've been too afraid to go into Thundertree. But I've all around, even up North near Cragmaw Castle. Been seein' a lot of Orcs up there, fer some reason."
"You may look brave, but believe me, if you see the dragon, don't fight it, you run."
"It's nap time, so keep it down. Unless you have some geography questions about the other local monsters, since I travel all over this region and pass without trace so yeah basically I see everything that's happening and no one ever sees me."
The druid sits cross legged in front of you and reaches out to recieve the basket. His eyes widen as he starts sampling the food. "Mmm, jerky. Jam. Stale crackers, not bad. Mmm, pickles."
He takes a small bite from each item, then quickly puts the basket amoung his things.
"Thank ye kindly. Aderleaf is a dear friend."
"Thanks fer the grub, now git outta here. I may know how to walk amoung the zombies and twig blights but ever since that young green dragon started nesting in that tower, I've been too afraid to go on my rounds."
"You may look brave, but beleive me, if you see the dragon, don't fight it, you run."
"It's nap time, so keep it down. Unless you have some geography questions about the other local monsters, since I travel all over this region and pass without trace so yeah basically I see everything that's happening and no one ever sees me."
At this point feel free to ask questions and RP with the druid and yourselves.
Each character gains 50 XP and will reach level 4 after a long rest.
“With the whole countryside available, why would you choose to stay here? I was going to say, ‘maybe we could help clean up around here’, but maybe these plants and zombies and … Dragon are welcomed here to keep others away from your own little corner of the world.”
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
Leif Pedersen - Human Druid - Beyond the Ragnarök
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
"Maybe a bit of both. Originally, I lured some ash zombies here. Somehow the earthquake 30 years ago created them or unburried them. Either way, as a druid, I couldn't stand by and watch these abominations spread their curse in my woods. So I lured the stragglers here and found the Thundertree ruins trap them nicely. But yea, being their jailor means I'm also a prisoner. Ha, if only she wasn't a Poison Dragon, then she could help me take care of the zombies. What the hells, it's a job."
“Quelline told us you know these lands very well. We are searching for a castle, probably overrun with orcs. I think it’s referred to as Cragmaw Castle. We only knew it was North of Phandalin. But that leaves a lot of land to search. Can you help us out?”
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
Leif Pedersen - Human Druid - Beyond the Ragnarök
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
"I feel like we are becoming good friends. Here, I'll make you a map."
He takes some powdered paint, from his dried out paint jar and adds some water, mixing it around, until it's a smooth brown rust color. He dips the dry brush in water, relaxing the bristles and picks up some of the paint before artistically illustrating a fine map of the region on a scrap piece of cloth.
"See these are the woods we are in, West Neverwinter Woods. Cragmaw Castle is actually south of here, but you've got to travel through the woods to get there and you can take this path, trust me, you might not be able to see it once you get there, but it's there. And you should be able to find Cragmaw Castle. Let the paint dry and you can keep the map.
Jyin gets teary eyed as he exclaims, "Thank Torm for your generosity and artistry in making this map. If ever you need to join the Order of the Gauntlet, you have my endorsement."
Reidoth replies, "And a fine Paladin like yourself is always welcome to join the Emerald Enclave."
Daewen's brow furrowed slightly as Reidoth spoke of plant monsters and zombies. While not unheard of in the Shadowfell, such creatures held little fear for a ranger who'd honed her skills for centuries amidst the realm's lurking dangers. But the very mention of a dragon sent a jolt through her. Her eyes widened, pupils contracting for a fleeting moment. A ranger thrived in the wilds, yes, but even the most seasoned wouldn't face a dragon head-on. A silent unease settled in her gut, a stark contrast to the usual comfort she found in the embrace of shadows. A hand instinctively drifted to the pommel of her weapon, a familiar gesture from her past. Here, in the harsh light of the waking world, the polished metal gleamed almost challengingly. However, Daewen knew better. This dragon was a threat unlike anything she'd faced before, and a cold tendril of fear snaked its way up her spine despite the warmth of the afternoon sun. She stole a glance at her companions, silently gauging their reactions. This new information demanded a change in strategy, and Daewen, ever the pragmatist, knew they needed to adapt quickly.
Daewen watched the exchange between her companions and Reidoth, a sliver of hope slicing through the ever-present knot of tension in her gut. The map gave them clear directions to the castle eased the immediate pressure, but the ranger in her recognized the treacherous nature of the woods. Still, the news of a dragon in Thundertree loomed large. Unlike the others, a spark of a different kind ignited in her mind – not fear, but a possibility. What if, instead of facing the dragon head-on, they could somehow… befriend it? The idea was audacious, bordering on madness, yet the alternative – charging blindly into a fight they might not win – felt equally reckless. A silent plea formed in her expressive eyes as she glanced towards her companions. Could they be convinced to consider a different approach, one that involved not a weapon, but perhaps a carefully chosen offering or a display of respect for the territorial beast? The notion was unconventional, fraught with risk, yet the silence of the Shadowfell she hailed from whispered a strange hope: perhaps, just perhaps, there was another way.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Jyin turns to Daewen and Vex and says, "This map is exactly what I've been looking for. Now I can complete my mission, on behalf of the Order of the Gauntlet."
Then he looks back at Wilhorn, "Leave this place, we don't need the family heirloom. Let's leave Reidoth in charge of keeping people safe from the dangers of Thundertree."
He looks at his magic sword and touches it to the holy symbol of Torm on his shield. "If only we had a sign, a blessing from Torm to know whether we should confront, or capture, or make a companion of this dragon. Until then, let's just go, I am neither afraid nor am I haphazard in this choice. For the glory of Torm, we shall return to fight this dragon another day.
“I am inclined to agree. We can return later to parley with a dragon … and search for lost heirlooms. Gundren is still out there and perhaps still within reach of saving. What say you two, Daewen and Vex?”
Wilhorn’s eyes linger on Vex and Dorah as he contemplates how a conversation with a dragon might go, given our party make up.
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
Leif Pedersen - Human Druid - Beyond the Ragnarök
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde