Jayce asks Guias if he can prepare some spells to counteract the glyph of warding and the arcane lock on the secret door. If he can, I ask him to please do so.
I also ask Guias if he wants the Shadow Orb, because I don't
I collect the coins and the potion and will redistribute it later amongst the three of us.
Jayce asks Guias if he can prepare some spells to counteract the glyph of warding and the arcane lock on the secret door. If he can, I ask him to please do so.
I can cast knock which only suppresses arcane lock for about 10 minutes. To disable glyph of warding I would need to cast dispel magic which is higher level than my ability. We could try to disable it with either slight of hand or arcana, failure would almost surely trigger the effect.
I also ask Guias if he wants the Shadow Orb, because I don't
Being a cursed and evil artifact, to attune with it is both an evil and foolish deed. I would like to see us pay to have it destroyed.
Ok, I would like to work with Guias in solving this secret door and cult problem.
First, I want to search through the documents on the fanatics desk and nearby and hopefully discover more about their cult and what their objectives are? Second, I want to determine if the cultists knew about the secret door, and if they were trying to get in it? Third, I know it will be a full moon tonight. Why are they doubling the guards? I’m curious about what happens during tonight’s full moon.
i took the Liberty of making some rolls: Arcana- 3 History- 14 Slight of Hand- 17 Religion- 19 Investigation- 5
Ok, I would like to work with Guias in solving this secret door and cult problem.
Guias just needs someone to take the help action and he will use arcana 18 to suppress the glyph.
First, I want to search through the documents on the fanatics desk and nearby and hopefully discover more about their cult and what their objectives are?
Each document is an invoice or a contract with the Black Fangs Mercenary Guild. There are even documents tied to political campaigns to train and hire more member to the Black Fangs.
Second, I want to determine if the cultists knew about the secret door, and if they were trying to get in it?
A warning sign, "Do not enter" means they know.
Third, I know it will be a full moon tonight. Why are they doubling the guards? I’m curious about what happens during tonight’s full moon.
Insight might tell you that the Black Fangs were onto your investigation and since they are reporting back to the cultists in charge, the double Black Fang Guards are meant to keep you out of the Cultists headquarters.
i took the Liberty of making some rolls: Arcana- 3 History- 14 Religion- 19 Investigation- 5 Slight of Hand- 17
You are able to suppress the glyph and open the door.
Inside the room you find a shadow demon and you have taken him by surprise
Oh my gosh! If Gralden nor Guias killed it in the first round, I think I did!!!!
I cast GUIDING BOLT as a 2nd Level Spell and rolled it as an ADVANTAGE a due to it being surprised. I rolled (20,10) +6 for a CRITICAL HIT. I rolled 41 points of damage and I think Shadows have VULNERABILITY to radiant spells, so I think that is 82 points of damage.
Oh my gosh! If Gralden nor Guias killed it in the first round, I think I did!!!!
I cast GUIDING BOLT as a 2nd Level Spell and rolled it as an ADVANTAGE a due to it being surprised. I rolled (20,10) +6 for a CRITICAL HIT. I rolled 41 points of damage and I think Shadows have VULNERABILITY to radiant spells, so I think that is 82 points of damage.
Wow. The Shadow Demon did have radiant vulnerability. It takes 82 damage and dies from a single massive crit.
Shadow Demon Rewards (shared) 366 XP (each) 400 XP (major quest completion)
You spend some time searching the remainder of the hideout and you return to town. Back in town, Marshall Thorne recommends that you travel to Vesper Capital to report your findings to the King's Council. You can remain in town, explore, search for more Black Fangs, talk to NPCs, do something else.
Before we leave the temple, I ask Guias if he wants to take the Orb to be destroyed. We will take it if he does.
We will gather up all of the scrolls and lockbox, plus any documents that we may find important. I will split the treasure 3 ways very soon.
i will take the Marshall’s advice and travel to Vesper Capital, after taking a long rest at the local inn. I assume that Guias will go and we will ask Gralden to go with us as well.
Before we leave the temple, I ask Guias if he wants to take the Orb to be destroyed. We will take it if he does.
We will gather up all of the scrolls and lockbox, plus any documents that we may find important. I will split the treasure 3 ways very soon.
i will take the Marshall’s advice and travel to Vesper Capital, after taking a long rest at the local inn. I assume that Guias will go and we will ask Gralden to go with us as well.
Gralden takes you to Vesper City, and leads you to the Kings Council and their chambers in one of the tall towers. You are brought into a study where you meet Lord Aldric, "I am the Steward of the King and leader of the King's Council. Thank you for bringing this cursed artifact, we have ways of disposing of these items, safely and without spreading the curse."
Lord Aldric is of middle years, wearing fine black leather armor and a forest green cloak. "I manage a guild of adventurers and mercenaries who perform investigations for the King. I would very much like to invite you to join the ranks of Council Investigators." He gives you and Guias badges. "Oh Gralden is already on retainer as one of our Porters. Please stay in town and rest up in the inn. I have made arrangements for you to stay, free of charge, for just one night."
"In the morning, report back here and we will match you up with more investigators if you like, (+0, +1. +2) and send you to investigate the Black Fang Guild Hall, to see if you can find more information that links them to this Cult of the Shadow Lord."
Jayce accepts. “Thank you, Lord Aldric. I would be most honored to join your guild. I am very interested in the Black Fang Guild and would like to find out more about them. If there is nothing else, I will see you tomorrow morning.”
(What about Guias? Will he stay part of our group?)
Jayce walks around Vesper City until dusk, taking in the sights and sounds. He also tries to locate a Church or Shrine for Helm, and will stop in to pray if there is one.
Jayce finishes up the evening by having a nice meal and taking a LONG REST.
Your Church to Helm rivals the one in Sapphire, plenty of time will be spent learning from them.
In the morning, Guias meets you to make a plan. 1) Gather information about the whereabouts of the Guildhall for the Black Fangs, 2) Scout it out, 3) Sneak in and collect some evidence.
You can choose up to two more party members for the investigation. +0, +1, +2. Name the class or role and I'll link them here.
Asking around town, you get several suspicious looks and sideways glances but eventually you receive reliable directions.
You are told that the Black Fangs Guildhall is in a remote part of the city called Stonebridge Landing, a port that hasn't been open for years.
Once a thriving dock, Stonebridge Landing has seen better days. Located near the ancient stone bridge that gives it its name, this area has fallen on economic hardships in recent years. The Stonebridge sector, located on the other side of the bridge, has suffered financial decline, leading to the closure of many businesses and a lack of proper patrols. Now, the area is less frequented, with an air of neglect and disrepair.
It is the Stonebridge neighborhood which is home to the Guildhall for the Black Fangs. As you walk down the desolate streets you see sleeping or drunk beggars and dead rats, cats, and dogs on the side of the streets.
The entrance to the Guildhall appears grand, with an enormous double door 20 feet tall made of oak and banded steel. Outside, on the streets you see a group of Black Fang agents, seemingly sitting and passing the time, possibly guards to the entranceway.
Guias introduces Jayce to Dagget, a Human raised by Elves and a Master Heavy Crossbow Ranger. He also introduces Maven, a Dwarven Woman wearing splint mail and a shield.
Guias says, "Dagget and Maven, it's been too long. You are still working for the Council?"
Dagget snears, "It pays the bills."
Maven proclaims, "Just remember that I'm a lady, and we won't have any problems."
Brother Jayce grasps forearms with Dagget and Maven. “Well met, Dagget”. “Well met, Maven”. “Welcome to our merry little band”. Jayce will engage in small talk for a short time.
When the party is ready, we will go to the Black Fangs Guildhall. When we get near, I will gather the group out of the sight of the guards. “Let’s split up and casually recon the guildhall. Try not to draw attention. Pass by just once and meet back here”.
Jayce will go first. He heads towards the entrance, then turns down the side of the building. He does not meet the eyes of the guards, but quickly scans the building and grounds for anything notable. He will look for opportunities to stop, like pray for a beggar and give him a couple of copper pieces, while inspecting the building.
When he is finished, Jayce will walk back, using a different route.
Brother Jayce grasps forearms with Dagget and Maven. “Well met, Dagget”. “Well met, Maven”. “Welcome to our merry little band”. Jayce will engage in small talk for a short time.
When the party is ready, we will go to the Black Fangs Guildhall. When we get near, I will gather the group out of the sight of the guards. “Let’s split up and casually recon the guildhall. Try not to draw attention. Pass by just once and meet back here”.
Jayce will go first. He heads towards the entrance, then turns down the side of the building. He does not meet the eyes of the guards, but quickly scans the building and grounds for anything notable. He will look for opportunities to stop, like pray for a beggar and give him a couple of copper pieces, while inspecting the building.
When he is finished, Jayce will walk back, using a different route.
The four of you, do your best to scout out the hideout inconspicuously,
The spy laughs out loud, "Look at that dumpy dwarf! Ugly and dumpy." Clearly pointing at Maven as she attempts to scout the entrance.
Guias climbs to the rooftops to spy on them from above, "Tallis, shut up. Don't go bothering townsfolk. Thems are orders." says a two-weapon fighter. "Okay Nico. Like you ever listen to orders." Tallis snaps back. A hulking veteran stands up from a crate. "Listen you two. Just take a break already. Go have lunch. I can't stand guard duty but I also can't stand to listen to you two bicker, so go bicker elsewhere." Nico and Tallis look at each other with devious smirks and then bolt, "Don't need to tell me twice," She says. Then Nico says, "Aw Jerek, you big softy, we love you, not!"
When your team of four regroups, the only guard now is the Veteran Black Fang, Jerek.
I noticed that you referred to us a party of 5. Did Gralden leave the party?
I gather the group together to discuss my plan.
Jayce reveals his plan. "I am going to use my COMMAND spell to call Jerek over. If I succeed, Dagget and I will take him out as covertly as possible away from view. If I fail, we will have to act quickly."
"Maven, I want you to hang out by the corner of the Guildhall. When you see Jerek leave his post, take his place by the door. If I fail in my plan, I will need you to rush in quickly and take him out."
"Guias, I want you on the other corner of the building and be ready to support Maven."
"Any questions", Jayce asks? "Let's get set up".
Dagget, you are with me. I need you to find a good sniping place near here to take Jerek quickly and silently, if I fail.
I noticed that you referred to us a party of 5. Did Gralden leave the party?
Gralden has jobs to do as a porter, his stats are blah, but we could talk about bringing him back.
Jayce reveals his plan. "I am going to use my COMMAND spell to call Jerek over.
Jerek Wisdom Save DC 14 vs 19 against command
If I succeed, Dagget and I will take him out as covertly as possible away from view. If I fail, we will have to act quickly."
Dagget pre-casts hunter's mark from max distance of 90 feet. Then when command is cast, whether pass or fail, he shoots a bolt from his heavy crossbow, Attack: 24 Damage: 10, with adv second d20 roll of 14
"Maven, I want you to hang out by the corner of the Guildhall. When you see Jerek leave his post, take his place by the door. If I fail in my plan, I will need you to rush in quickly and take him out."
Maven rushes (25 feet) to attack Jerek with her longsword, Attack: 20 Damage: 12
"Guias, I want you on the other corner of the building and be ready to support Maven."
Guias launches a 2nd level Magic Missile so that four missiles automatically hit for damage: 4, 5, 3, 4
I noticed that you referred to us a party of 5. Did Gralden leave the party?
Gralden has jobs to do as a porter, his stats are blah, but we could talk about bringing him back.
Jayce reveals his plan. "I am going to use my COMMAND spell to call Jerek over.
Jerek Wisdom Save DC 14 vs 19 against command
Successful Wisdom Save, so Jerek is on alert, he spots Dagget right before the bolt is shot, so he doesn't gain adv, "Intruders? Who would be dumb enough to attack the Black Fangs?"
If I succeed, Dagget and I will take him out as covertly as possible away from view. If I fail, we will have to act quickly."
Dagget pre-casts hunter's mark from max distance of 90 feet. Then when command is cast, whether pass or fail, he shoots a bolt from his heavy crossbow, Attack: 24 Damage: 10, with adv second d20 roll of 14
Dagget finds a niche in Jerek's Splint and hits for 10 damage. Jerek (48/58)
"Maven, I want you to hang out by the corner of the Guildhall. When you see Jerek leave his post, take his place by the door. If I fail in my plan, I will need you to rush in quickly and take him out."
Maven rushes (25 feet) to attack Jerek with her longsword, Attack: 20 Damage: 12
From behind, Maven rushes Jerek, dealing 12 more damage. Jerek (36/58)
"Guias, I want you on the other corner of the building and be ready to support Maven."
Guias launches a 2nd level Magic Missile so that four missiles automatically hit for damage: 4, 5, 3, 4
Jerek is hit for 4 damage, then 5, then 3, then 4 again, total 16. Jerek (20/58)
Jerek struggles to keep standing, "Oh you bastards. You're going to be sorry."
Jayce asks Guias if he can prepare some spells to counteract the glyph of warding and the arcane lock on the secret door. If he can, I ask him to please do so.
I also ask Guias if he wants the Shadow Orb, because I don't
I collect the coins and the potion and will redistribute it later amongst the three of us.
I can cast knock which only suppresses arcane lock for about 10 minutes. To disable glyph of warding I would need to cast dispel magic which is higher level than my ability. We could try to disable it with either slight of hand or arcana, failure would almost surely trigger the effect.
Being a cursed and evil artifact, to attune with it is both an evil and foolish deed. I would like to see us pay to have it destroyed.
Ok, I would like to work with Guias in solving this secret door and cult problem.
First, I want to search through the documents on the fanatics desk and nearby and hopefully discover more about their cult and what their objectives are?
Second, I want to determine if the cultists knew about the secret door, and if they were trying to get in it?
Third, I know it will be a full moon tonight. Why are they doubling the guards? I’m curious about what happens during tonight’s full moon.
i took the Liberty of making some rolls:
Arcana- 3
History- 14
Slight of Hand- 17
Religion- 19
Investigation- 5
Guias just needs someone to take the help action and he will use arcana 18 to suppress the glyph.
Each document is an invoice or a contract with the Black Fangs Mercenary Guild. There are even documents tied to political campaigns to train and hire more member to the Black Fangs.
A warning sign, "Do not enter" means they know.
Insight might tell you that the Black Fangs were onto your investigation and since they are reporting back to the cultists in charge, the double Black Fang Guards are meant to keep you out of the Cultists headquarters.
You are able to suppress the glyph and open the door.
Inside the room you find a shadow demon and you have taken him by surprise
Round 0
Gralden, Guias, Jayce
SD1 (66/66, surprised)
Oh my gosh! If Gralden nor Guias killed it in the first round, I think I did!!!!
I cast GUIDING BOLT as a 2nd Level Spell and rolled it as an ADVANTAGE a due to it being surprised. I rolled (20,10) +6 for a CRITICAL HIT. I rolled 41 points of damage and I think Shadows have VULNERABILITY to radiant spells, so I think that is 82 points of damage.
Wow. The Shadow Demon did have radiant vulnerability. It takes 82 damage and dies from a single massive crit.
Shadow Demon Rewards (shared)
366 XP (each)
400 XP (major quest completion)
You spend some time searching the remainder of the hideout and you return to town. Back in town, Marshall Thorne recommends that you travel to Vesper Capital to report your findings to the King's Council. You can remain in town, explore, search for more Black Fangs, talk to NPCs, do something else.
Thank you.
Before we leave the temple, I ask Guias if he wants to take the Orb to be destroyed. We will take it if he does.
We will gather up all of the scrolls and lockbox, plus any documents that we may find important. I will split the treasure 3 ways very soon.
i will take the Marshall’s advice and travel to Vesper Capital, after taking a long rest at the local inn. I assume that Guias will go and we will ask Gralden to go with us as well.
We will divide the treasure this way…
Jayce- 33cp, 13 sp, 10gp, 3 rubies- I have added this to my sheet
Guias- 33cp, 14sp, 20gp, 2 rubies
Gralden- 13cp, 13sp, 10gp, 3 rubies
i still would like to know more about the 10 scrolls, and Guias and I will divide them per class.
Scrolls
5x cure wounds scroll
1x guiding bolt scroll
1x shield of faith scroll
1x detect magic scroll
1x bless scroll
1x command scroll
Thank you.
I tell Guias, “It looks like all of these are Cleric scrolls. I hope to find something for you”.
i will add these scrolls to my inventory
Gralden takes you to Vesper City, and leads you to the Kings Council and their chambers in one of the tall towers. You are brought into a study where you meet Lord Aldric, "I am the Steward of the King and leader of the King's Council. Thank you for bringing this cursed artifact, we have ways of disposing of these items, safely and without spreading the curse."
Lord Aldric is of middle years, wearing fine black leather armor and a forest green cloak. "I manage a guild of adventurers and mercenaries who perform investigations for the King. I would very much like to invite you to join the ranks of Council Investigators." He gives you and Guias badges. "Oh Gralden is already on retainer as one of our Porters. Please stay in town and rest up in the inn. I have made arrangements for you to stay, free of charge, for just one night."
"In the morning, report back here and we will match you up with more investigators if you like, (+0, +1. +2) and send you to investigate the Black Fang Guild Hall, to see if you can find more information that links them to this Cult of the Shadow Lord."
Jayce accepts. “Thank you, Lord Aldric. I would be most honored to join your guild. I am very interested in the Black Fang Guild and would like to find out more about them. If there is nothing else, I will see you tomorrow morning.”
(What about Guias? Will he stay part of our group?)
Jayce walks around Vesper City until dusk, taking in the sights and sounds. He also tries to locate a Church or Shrine for Helm, and will stop in to pray if there is one.
Jayce finishes up the evening by having a nice meal and taking a LONG REST.
Jayce will meet with Lord Aldric in the morning.
Your Church to Helm rivals the one in Sapphire, plenty of time will be spent learning from them.
In the morning, Guias meets you to make a plan. 1) Gather information about the whereabouts of the Guildhall for the Black Fangs, 2) Scout it out, 3) Sneak in and collect some evidence.
You can choose up to two more party members for the investigation. +0, +1, +2. Name the class or role and I'll link them here.
Asking around town, you get several suspicious looks and sideways glances but eventually you receive reliable directions.
You are told that the Black Fangs Guildhall is in a remote part of the city called Stonebridge Landing, a port that hasn't been open for years.
Once a thriving dock, Stonebridge Landing has seen better days. Located near the ancient stone bridge that gives it its name, this area has fallen on economic hardships in recent years. The Stonebridge sector, located on the other side of the bridge, has suffered financial decline, leading to the closure of many businesses and a lack of proper patrols. Now, the area is less frequented, with an air of neglect and disrepair.
It is the Stonebridge neighborhood which is home to the Guildhall for the Black Fangs. As you walk down the desolate streets you see sleeping or drunk beggars and dead rats, cats, and dogs on the side of the streets.
The entrance to the Guildhall appears grand, with an enormous double door 20 feet tall made of oak and banded steel. Outside, on the streets you see a group of Black Fang agents, seemingly sitting and passing the time, possibly guards to the entranceway.
A spy, a berserker, and a veteran
I think I will accept your offer and add 2 NPC’s to our group. Would you please create a Fighter (Heavily armored, focusing on melee) and a Ranger?
Guias introduces Jayce to Dagget, a Human raised by Elves and a Master Heavy Crossbow Ranger. He also introduces Maven, a Dwarven Woman wearing splint mail and a shield.
Guias says, "Dagget and Maven, it's been too long. You are still working for the Council?"
Dagget snears, "It pays the bills."
Maven proclaims, "Just remember that I'm a lady, and we won't have any problems."
Dagget Hunter Ranger
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/128085164
Maven Champion Fighter
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/128085800
Brother Jayce grasps forearms with Dagget and Maven. “Well met, Dagget”. “Well met, Maven”. “Welcome to our merry little band”. Jayce will engage in small talk for a short time.
When the party is ready, we will go to the Black Fangs Guildhall. When we get near, I will gather the group out of the sight of the guards. “Let’s split up and casually recon the guildhall. Try not to draw attention. Pass by just once and meet back here”.
Jayce will go first. He heads towards the entrance, then turns down the side of the building. He does not meet the eyes of the guards, but quickly scans the building and grounds for anything notable. He will look for opportunities to stop, like pray for a beggar and give him a couple of copper pieces, while inspecting the building.
When he is finished, Jayce will walk back, using a different route.
The four of you, do your best to scout out the hideout inconspicuously,
The spy laughs out loud, "Look at that dumpy dwarf! Ugly and dumpy." Clearly pointing at Maven as she attempts to scout the entrance.
Guias climbs to the rooftops to spy on them from above, "Tallis, shut up. Don't go bothering townsfolk. Thems are orders." says a two-weapon fighter. "Okay Nico. Like you ever listen to orders." Tallis snaps back. A hulking veteran stands up from a crate. "Listen you two. Just take a break already. Go have lunch. I can't stand guard duty but I also can't stand to listen to you two bicker, so go bicker elsewhere." Nico and Tallis look at each other with devious smirks and then bolt, "Don't need to tell me twice," She says. Then Nico says, "Aw Jerek, you big softy, we love you, not!"
When your team of four regroups, the only guard now is the Veteran Black Fang, Jerek.
I noticed that you referred to us a party of 5. Did Gralden leave the party?
I gather the group together to discuss my plan.
Jayce reveals his plan. "I am going to use my COMMAND spell to call Jerek over. If I succeed, Dagget and I will take him out as covertly as possible away from view. If I fail, we will have to act quickly."
"Maven, I want you to hang out by the corner of the Guildhall. When you see Jerek leave his post, take his place by the door. If I fail in my plan, I will need you to rush in quickly and take him out."
"Guias, I want you on the other corner of the building and be ready to support Maven."
"Any questions", Jayce asks? "Let's get set up".
Dagget, you are with me. I need you to find a good sniping place near here to take Jerek quickly and silently, if I fail.
Gralden has jobs to do as a porter, his stats are blah, but we could talk about bringing him back.
Jerek Wisdom Save DC 14 vs 19 against command
Dagget pre-casts hunter's mark from max distance of 90 feet. Then when command is cast, whether pass or fail, he shoots a bolt from his heavy crossbow, Attack: 24 Damage: 10, with adv second d20 roll of 14
Maven rushes (25 feet) to attack Jerek with her longsword, Attack: 20 Damage: 12
Guias launches a 2nd level Magic Missile so that four missiles automatically hit for damage: 4, 5, 3, 4
Successful Wisdom Save, so Jerek is on alert, he spots Dagget right before the bolt is shot, so he doesn't gain adv, "Intruders? Who would be dumb enough to attack the Black Fangs?"
Dagget finds a niche in Jerek's Splint and hits for 10 damage. Jerek (48/58)
From behind, Maven rushes Jerek, dealing 12 more damage. Jerek (36/58)
Jerek is hit for 4 damage, then 5, then 3, then 4 again, total 16. Jerek (20/58)
Jerek struggles to keep standing, "Oh you bastards. You're going to be sorry."
Jerek init 8
Dagget init 16
Guias init 20
Maven init 14