The goblin’s body lands with a dull thud on the cavern floor, and the wolves, drawn by the scent, immediately converge on it with ravenous hunger.
Vasha stands at the cave’s mouth, watching with a grim satisfaction as the wolves tear into the corpse, their growls and snarls filling the air. But as the last morsels are consumed, the wolves’ attention shifts slowly from the remains to Vasha himself. Their eyes gleam with a mix of suspicion and hunger, and Vasha meets their gaze steadily, his stance firm and unflinching. His hand rests casually on the hilt of his greatsword, ready for whatever comes next.
Doldek will remain at the mouth of the cave with the captive. He asks her in goblin, "Howmany fighters would youexpect to be guarding the cave?Canyou name any of them? Who tends to the wolves?"
The largest of the three wolves barks loudly and nips at the other two, scaring them away from the goblin corpse, which it drags into a corner. The other two wolves turn to Vasha barking and lunging at him. With a clank, the rusty chains holding the wolves back stretches taught; the piton anchoring them holds, for now.
With gag removed, Big-Sneeze licks her lips and replies to Doldek in Goblin, “The wolves only listen to Klarg. He commands twenty-five goblins in total. I know all their names; they are, or were, my comrades. You’ve killed five of them, captured me, and let [Goblin 3] escape. I don’t know how many left that makes.” She looks over at the cave. “You need only know the name Yeemik, our second-in-command. If you kill Klarg, make sure you kill Yeemik, too. Then, if you release me, I’ll be in charge here. I won’t forget the mercy you’ve shown.” She would tell you any number of goblin names that you require.
A DC 12 Wisdom (Insight) check reveals:
Big-Sneeze is much more eloquent in her native tongue.
She genuinely believes that she can lead the other goblins if Yeemik and Klarg are gone. However, frustration flares on her face as she says her last sentence. It is the same expression she made when she mentioned her 5 dead comrades.
Dunkin attempts to leap over the stream, but without light, clear footing, or enough space for a running start, does not clear the distance. He slips on the wet rocks of the edge of the stream. His legs are soaked, but he scrambles onto the opposite bank. This area is choked with rubble and has steep escarpments on each side. The rubble shifts under your feet slightly, but you are light enough that it holds.
Chase, you spot a ring shaped like a tiny crown at the bottom of the stream. A DC 10 Intelligence (History) check reveals:
This ring bears the symbol of the Lord’s Alliance, of which Sildar Hallwinter is/was an agent.
Nyli and John’s arrows hit only the cave ceiling beyond Goblin J. Clutching the wound on its leg, Goblin J scampers off to the east, out of sight. Those inside the cave hear shouts in Goblin, “Intruders! Release the water!”
Moments later, the passage is suddenly filled with a mighty roar, as a huge surge of rushing water pours down from above!
A DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check (or 15 Passive Perception) reveals:
A single goblin bobs in and out of sight, caught in the violent, churning wave.
Dunkin, the eastern path is steep and uneven. It counts as difficult terrain. It is dark, so you don't see much ahead, but it seems not to be a dead end.
Chase, you have time to grab the ring before the wave comes, if you wish.
Any creature within 10 feet of the stream can attempt a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw to avoid being swept away. You may make this save with advantage because you asked Big-Sneeze about traps earlier. A creature that fails to get out of the way must attempt a DC 15 Strength saving throw to hold on. On a failed save, the character is knocked prone and washed down to outside the cave, taking 1d6 bludgeoning damage along the way.
Vasha, you can choose to avoid the wave by entering the wolf cave.
I don't think a new map is needed at this time. Currently I have Dunkin in the western passage just across the stream; Nyli, John, and Chase in the main passage; Vasha in the main passage/wolf cave; and Doldek outside. Please let me know if that is incorrect.
As Dunkin peers down the left passage, the unexpected wall of water hits with force and sweeps him from his feet and out of the cave. He’s battered against the rough cave walls. Thankful to be alive (barely) the halfling eventually crawls from the torrent bloodied, realizing his injuries are serious, and hoping there are no goblins nearby.
If Chase makes a DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check, he can rescue Goblin K from the flood. If he rescues the goblin, Chase must make a Charisma (Persuasion or Intimidation) check to convince the goblin to cooperate. A 20 will convince Goblin K to help you. A 15 results in the following:
"Up the path you must go," it says, laughing maniacally and spitting up water. "Cross the bridge west, then find eating cave you will, if you don't get washed away!" It continues laughing at you.
Goblin K Disengages and run into the wolf cave.
With a 10, Goblin K will only Disengage and run into the wolf cave.
Any roll below 10 results in Goblin K's attacking Chase, Disengaging, and running into the wolf cave. (unarmed strike: 9 to hit for 0 damage)
If Goblin K is not rescued, it will wash up near the cave mouth with anyone else caught up in the wave. It would attempt the same unarmed strike (9 to hit for 0 damage), this time on Dunkin, then Disengage and flee into the nearby woods.
Nyli hears the approaching water and manages to get out the way of the main torrent, and just ends up somewhat wet and bedraggled. With her bow now useless with wet string she stows it and draws her blades.
Chase grabs goblin k lifting him one armed from the water, staring him in the face, “Lead me to the Eating cave!”
athletics 21 intimidation 21
"Up the path you must go," Goblin K says, spitting up water and laughing maniacally as it dangles above the ebbing waters. "Cross the bridge west, then find eating cave you will, if you don't get washed away!" It stops laughing at Chase as it comes to grips with its current situation."Leave, leave we must, before it comes! Yes, another dam there is, another wave." Goblin J ineffectually flails in Chase's iron grip, stopping when it realizes that there is no escape.
After the torrent passes, Dunkin can only wonder where Doldek ended up. Then Vasha's curse and Chase's yell wake him from his stupor. He sees Big-Sneeze dangling from Chase's arm, and Nyli drawing her blades and advancing on the cave entrance again. "What a mess I've gotten me'self into," he thinks. "Walked right into that trap, I did, and now I'm injured again. How can I best help here in my state? Mebbe' I can fit into that smoke hole, but definitely need to get a ranged weapon first." Dunkin drags himself up the hill to the lookout platform, and grabs one of the short bows there, and the quiver with 8 arrows.
OOC:
Earlier you said the smoke hole might permit a "small creature" entrance. Did you mean halfling-sized, or more like a rodent?
Doldek attempts to memorize the names Big-Sneeze lists off when a surge of water spills from the cave. "By the Binder!..." Keeping one eye on the captive, he scurries to the mouth of the cave. Spotting a soaked, but stalwart Vasha, he asks "What was that?!?"
Vasha closes his eyes and draws in a slow, deep breath, feeling the familiar stirrings of anger simmering just below the surface. For a moment, his grip on the hilt of his greatsword tightens, but he forces himself to release it, exhaling through his nose as he pushes the frustration down.
“That,” he replies in a low, steady voice, “means we’re not gonna get the jump on them.” His eyes open, revealing a calm that’s thinly veiling his irritation. He turns back to the group, his expression resigned but focused, “Any other ideas?”
The goblin’s body lands with a dull thud on the cavern floor, and the wolves, drawn by the scent, immediately converge on it with ravenous hunger.
Vasha stands at the cave’s mouth, watching with a grim satisfaction as the wolves tear into the corpse, their growls and snarls filling the air. But as the last morsels are consumed, the wolves’ attention shifts slowly from the remains to Vasha himself. Their eyes gleam with a mix of suspicion and hunger, and Vasha meets their gaze steadily, his stance firm and unflinching. His hand rests casually on the hilt of his greatsword, ready for whatever comes next.
(Animal Handling 4)
Doldek will remain at the mouth of the cave with the captive. He asks her in goblin, "How many fighters would you expect to be guarding the cave? Can you name any of them? Who tends to the wolves?"
Chase scrambles into the cave trying to stay within sight of John looking for tracks, while attempting to be quiet…
Survival 23 stealth with disadvantage 15
Wise as a serpent and sly as a fox.
The largest of the three wolves barks loudly and nips at the other two, scaring them away from the goblin corpse, which it drags into a corner. The other two wolves turn to Vasha barking and lunging at him. With a clank, the rusty chains holding the wolves back stretches taught; the piton anchoring them holds, for now.
With gag removed, Big-Sneeze licks her lips and replies to Doldek in Goblin, “The wolves only listen to Klarg. He commands twenty-five goblins in total. I know all their names; they are, or were, my comrades. You’ve killed five of them, captured me, and let [Goblin 3] escape. I don’t know how many left that makes.” She looks over at the cave. “You need only know the name Yeemik, our second-in-command. If you kill Klarg, make sure you kill Yeemik, too. Then, if you release me, I’ll be in charge here. I won’t forget the mercy you’ve shown.” She would tell you any number of goblin names that you require.
A DC 12 Wisdom (Insight) check reveals:
Big-Sneeze is much more eloquent in her native tongue.
She genuinely believes that she can lead the other goblins if Yeemik and Klarg are gone. However, frustration flares on her face as she says her last sentence. It is the same expression she made when she mentioned her 5 dead comrades.
Dunkin attempts to leap over the stream, but without light, clear footing, or enough space for a running start, does not clear the distance. He slips on the wet rocks of the edge of the stream. His legs are soaked, but he scrambles onto the opposite bank. This area is choked with rubble and has steep escarpments on each side. The rubble shifts under your feet slightly, but you are light enough that it holds.
Chase, you spot a ring shaped like a tiny crown at the bottom of the stream. A DC 10 Intelligence (History) check reveals:
This ring bears the symbol of the Lord’s Alliance, of which Sildar Hallwinter is/was an agent.
Nyli and John’s arrows hit only the cave ceiling beyond Goblin J. Clutching the wound on its leg, Goblin J scampers off to the east, out of sight. Those inside the cave hear shouts in Goblin, “Intruders! Release the water!”
Moments later, the passage is suddenly filled with a mighty roar, as a huge surge of rushing water pours down from above!
A DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check (or 15 Passive Perception) reveals:
A single goblin bobs in and out of sight, caught in the violent, churning wave.
OOC:
Dunkin, the eastern path is steep and uneven. It counts as difficult terrain. It is dark, so you don't see much ahead, but it seems not to be a dead end.
Chase, you have time to grab the ring before the wave comes, if you wish.
Any creature within 10 feet of the stream can attempt a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw to avoid being swept away. You may make this save with advantage because you asked Big-Sneeze about traps earlier. A creature that fails to get out of the way must attempt a DC 15 Strength saving throw to hold on. On a failed save, the character is knocked prone and washed down to outside the cave, taking 1d6 bludgeoning damage along the way.
Vasha, you can choose to avoid the wave by entering the wolf cave.
Monsters:
Map:
I don't think a new map is needed at this time. Currently I have Dunkin in the western passage just across the stream; Nyli, John, and Chase in the main passage; Vasha in the main passage/wolf cave; and Doldek outside. Please let me know if that is incorrect.
Vasha manages to avoid the torrent of water, remaining in the entry (Dex save 21).
Cursing under his breath he draws his greatsword and regroups with the others in the main passage, looking to see if anyone is injured.
As Dunkin peers down the left passage, the unexpected wall of water hits with force and sweeps him from his feet and out of the cave. He’s battered against the rough cave walls. Thankful to be alive (barely) the halfling eventually crawls from the torrent bloodied, realizing his injuries are serious, and hoping there are no goblins nearby.
Dex save 8 with advantage
Strength save 4
Damage 6 🤕
Chase recognizes and grabs the ring, sees goblin k reaches out to the goblinoid offering to help, and stands his ground as the water floods past…
”Lead me to the Eating cave.”
rolls perception 23 history + guidance 11 dex save 11
Wise as a serpent and sly as a fox.
OOC:
If Chase makes a DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check, he can rescue Goblin K from the flood. If he rescues the goblin, Chase must make a Charisma (Persuasion or Intimidation) check to convince the goblin to cooperate. A 20 will convince Goblin K to help you. A 15 results in the following:
"Up the path you must go," it says, laughing maniacally and spitting up water. "Cross the bridge west, then find eating cave you will, if you don't get washed away!" It continues laughing at you.
Goblin K Disengages and run into the wolf cave.With a 10, Goblin K will only Disengage and run into the wolf cave.
Any roll below 10 results in Goblin K's attacking Chase, Disengaging, and running into the wolf cave. (unarmed strike: 9 to hit for 0 damage)
If Goblin K is not rescued, it will wash up near the cave mouth with anyone else caught up in the wave. It would attempt the same unarmed strike (9 to hit for 0 damage), this time on Dunkin, then Disengage and flee into the nearby woods.
Nyli hears the approaching water and manages to get out the way of the main torrent, and just ends up somewhat wet and bedraggled. With her bow now useless with wet string she stows it and draws her blades.
OOC: Dex save 23
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Chase grabs goblin k lifting him one armed from the water, staring him in the face, “Lead me to the Eating cave!”
athletics 21 intimidation 21
Wise as a serpent and sly as a fox.
"Up the path you must go," Goblin K says, spitting up water and laughing maniacally as it dangles above the ebbing waters. "Cross the bridge west, then find eating cave you will, if you don't get washed away!" It stops laughing at Chase as it comes to grips with its current situation. "Leave, leave we must, before it comes! Yes, another dam there is, another wave." Goblin J ineffectually flails in Chase's iron grip, stopping when it realizes that there is no escape.
With the wave passed Nyli heads back towards the entrance, hoping everybody has survived.
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
After the torrent passes, Dunkin can only wonder where Doldek ended up. Then Vasha's curse and Chase's yell wake him from his stupor. He sees Big-Sneeze dangling from Chase's arm, and Nyli drawing her blades and advancing on the cave entrance again. "What a mess I've gotten me'self into," he thinks. "Walked right into that trap, I did, and now I'm injured again. How can I best help here in my state? Mebbe' I can fit into that smoke hole, but definitely need to get a ranged weapon first." Dunkin drags himself up the hill to the lookout platform, and grabs one of the short bows there, and the quiver with 8 arrows.
OOC:
Earlier you said the smoke hole might permit a "small creature" entrance. Did you mean halfling-sized, or more like a rodent?
OOC: Sorry been a busy week. I'll try and get caught up later tonight.
Dex save: (24, 19)
John hearing the water coming steps to some higher ground and avoids being swept away
Doldek attempts to memorize the names Big-Sneeze lists off when a surge of water spills from the cave. "By the Binder!..." Keeping one eye on the captive, he scurries to the mouth of the cave. Spotting a soaked, but stalwart Vasha, he asks "What was that?!?"
Vasha closes his eyes and draws in a slow, deep breath, feeling the familiar stirrings of anger simmering just below the surface. For a moment, his grip on the hilt of his greatsword tightens, but he forces himself to release it, exhaling through his nose as he pushes the frustration down.
“That,” he replies in a low, steady voice, “means we’re not gonna get the jump on them.” His eyes open, revealing a calm that’s thinly veiling his irritation. He turns back to the group, his expression resigned but focused, “Any other ideas?”
Joining the others.
I guess we just take the direct approach now.
"Nope I'm heading to the Eating Cave right now." Chase tosses goblin K back into the water as he trudges up as fast as he can.
following the most direct path he can to the cavern Sildar is in...
Wise as a serpent and sly as a fox.
John pulls out a torch and follows. His crossbow locked and loaded resting on his shoulder
Doldek calls out to Chase in Dwarvish, "What shall be done with our prisoner? Do we have time to bind her someplace out of view from the entrance?"