In the city of Neverwinter, a dwarf named Gundren Rockseeker asked you to bring a wagonload of provisions to the rough-and-tumble settlement of Phandalin, a couple of days' travel southeast of the city. Gundren was clearly excited and more than a little secretive about his reasons for the trip, saying only that he and his brothers had found "something big," and that he'd pay you ten gold pieces each for escorting his supplies safely to Barthen's Provisions, a trading post in Phandalin. He then set out ahead of you on horse, along with a warrior escort named Sildar Hallwinter, claiming he needed to arrive early to "take care of business."
You've spent the last few days following the High Road south from Neverwinter, and you've just recently veered east along the Triboar Trail.
You've encountered no trouble so far, but this territory can be dangerous. Bandits and outlaws have been known to lurk along the trail.
OOC: Please introduce your characters. Also, who is driving the wagon and who is walking alongside? Feel free to roleplay a bit.
As the sun rises over the rolling hills along the Triboar Trail, Seraphine Thornvale sits at the front of the wagon, reins firmly in hand. The rhythmic clatter of the cart’s wooden wheels against the dirt road fills the air as the horses plod steadily onward. Sera keeps a watchful eye on the trail ahead, her gold eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of trouble.
The peaceful journey thus far hasn't dulled her instincts; she knows these lands can turn dangerous without warning. Still, she draws a quiet comfort from the task of guiding the horses, her hands steady and sure on the reins.
After a stretch of silence, Seraphine glances back at her companions. A soft smile plays on her lips despite the weight of her mission.
"How are you holding up?" she asks, her voice steady but warm. "We’ve had a quiet road so far, but it’s always the calm before the storm. Keep your eyes sharp."
Her thoughts drift briefly to Gundren and his mysterious "big find." Whatever awaited them in Phandalin, she was ready to face it head-on, just as she always had. But first, the supplies had to arrive safely. One step at a time.
Walking near the back of the trundling wagon, Marcus lets out a grunt of acknowledgement at Seraphine's question, but his mind is focused elsewhere. He'd felt confident about the journey to Phandalin when they had first set out, but ever since they'd veered eastward towards the settlement, his stomach had been twisting itself into all kinds of complicated knots. He hadn't bothered telling his traveling companions, or even Gundren for that matter, that this wouldn't be his first visit to the town. No sense in sharing more than he had to. Once they had their gold from the delivery, they'd all be free to go their own ways and he could deal with his problems the way he always had: alone.
They hadn't seen any signs of trouble in the first half of their journey, so why had the dwarf felt the need to hire five guards for a single wagon of provisions? At this point, he figured he had a better chance of getting kicked in the head by one of the horses than attacked by a bandit. He can't help but flash a grim smile at the thought, momentarily revealing unnaturally sharp canines. Without them, he could almost pass for half- or maybe quarter-elven at a glance, but his eyes were really more yellow than gold, and his pointed ears weren't quite the right shape, so he generally just did his best to avoid drawing too much attention.
Marcus lifts his head and takes a look around as their tiny caravan continues inching forward towards that final turn to Phandalin, nervously turning over the small black crystal in his pocket. Gods, I hope this isn't a mistake. Queen protect me.
Brungir had spent most of the trip in the back of the cramped wagon, having finagled himself enough space to somewhat awkwardly lay out some of his tools. When not being the one to keep a lookout, the dwarf had occupied himself with a small project, not wanting to let his skills go to rust now that he had lost a proper forge to work. His current project was a small metal bearing that he had carved a rune into, causing it to emit the faint smell of a crackling fire.
His mind wandered a bit, wondering what his cousin had found that had made him so eager to rush off ahead. In his own mind he could not fathom going into anything without proper planning and a goal in mind. Perhaps that came from his craft and always wanting to strive for perfection or as near to it as he could when smithing. For now he pushed such thoughts aside as he heard one of the others speak.
"Fine lass just ready to get there." He says, making a few more adjustments with his tools. "If I were a fool I'd I'm doubtin we'll have to worry about anything at this rate... But then ma didn't raise herself a fool." He says as he stows his project and hefts his crossbow, bolt already in place to fire."
[[ From the other thread, Seraphina driving is fine. ]]
Travelling with you is a dwarf by the name of Phait. As the skilled Seraphina navigates the cart, he spends time here and there smoothing out the path along the way.
"I'm holding up well enough." says Phait with a smile in reply to the half-elf's question.
He turns to the fellow cart-riders as a whole, "So what brings you all to Phandalin? For me, Sildar has been a decent friend so I figure if he's helping Gundren out, then there's something to this little adventure."
Marcus looks over at the dwarf in the back of the cart, letting the question hang in the air for a moment before looking back to the trail and letting out a deep sigh. "Owed Gundren a favor. He needed some extra guards for a trip, I needed gold. Pretty simple exchange, really."He walks in silence for a few moments, thinking on his other reason for going to Phandalin, before adding, "I suppose it also won't hurt to be present for whatever great discovery that dwarf thinks he's made. Not that I believe there's anything to it."
When Phait asks about their reasons for coming to Phandalin, Seraphine chuckles softly under her breath. "Gundren’s a good man," she says as she adjusts the reins slightly. "He’s working hard to bring prosperity to the region, reclaiming what his people lost. That kind of determination... it's something I respect."
Her gaze briefly shifts to the horizon, where distant hills roll gently in the sunlight. "When he offered the job, I didn’t have to think twice. Beats hauling cargo on the docks all day, that’s for sure."
The diminutive fairy Treela has been alternating between flying overwatch and resting in the cart during the trip. Her shimmering bronze skin along with her eyes with multicolored irises and diamond shaped pupils marked her as something fey. But even more than that the blue and purple wings sprouting from her back made it obvious she was not one of the more common races. She was only 2' tall, and that was while wearing high heeled boots. She was also lighter than anyones backpack (including her own).
Treela was currently sitting on top of the supplies. The ever curious fairy had been watching Brungir's metalworking with interest.
Treela had just been wondering how things would go when they reached Phandalin. The task she had been set seemed a little much for a single cleric. So when Phait asked about why they all heading to Phandalin, Treela was inclined to share with the hope that maybe the others might help.
"Regarding my situation, it appears that goblins have desecrated an altar venerating my deity. Consequently, it is imperative that I re-consecrate it, ensuring its protection against future violations. When one receives a divine mandate, it is incumbent upon them to act accordingly. Although the altar resides within the confines of Cragmaw Castle, the oracle has indicated that Sister Garaele may be of assistance in this endeavor.."
Treela then adds, "It is time to undertake a renewed examination for potential adversities that may lie ahead." So saying, she takes to the air again, to get an overhead view of the path ahead of the cart.
"Gundren is a cousin... A distant one but still a cousin. Kept in contact ever since I left Citadel Adbar. Work dried up for me in Neverwinter and I was figurin it was about time to find some new ways to earn some coin. The promise of gold and talk of some good ore to be had was enough to make it worthwhile to set out. I do wish my cousin had been a bit more detailed in his explanation." Brungir says as he leans his crossbow on his shoulder, running a hand through his beard.
As you fly over the wagon, you spot two dead horses sprawled about fifty feet ahead of you around the bend, blocking the path. Each has several black-feathered arrows sticking out of it.
Treela flys back down and says, "Trouble ahead, two dead equines blocking the thoroughfare around the bend, both killed by arrows." Since this was an urgent matter, she kept her words breif and concise this time (well brief and concise for her).
Seraphine’s relaxed demeanor shifts the moment Treela mentions the dead horses ahead. Her grip on the reins tightens as her eyes narrow, quickly snapping to the road before them.
"Arrows?" she mutters, a serious tone replacing the previous calm in her voice. "That means bandits or worse."
Without hesitation, Seraphine pulls the cart to a slow stop, keeping her voice low. "What do you all think? We could tie the horses nearby to keep them out of danger, and use the cart for cover while we approach on foot maybe."
"Definitely leave the horses here. Don't want themspooking." Marcus looks to Treela. "Did it look safe to investigate? Anyone with sharp eyes want to come help while a couple people watch the horses? We can yell if there's trouble." Keeping his distance from the cart and the horses, Marcus edges around to the front, ready to go take a look as soon as he gets the go-ahead.
[[ If Treela says it's safe to approach, can I make a perception or survival check to look for tracks to/from the dead horses and any other clues about what might've happened? ]]
Seraphine nods at Marcus’s suggestion, appreciating his caution. "Good call."
She moves with practiced efficiency, stepping down from the cart and gently detaching the horses from their harnesses. The large creatures snort softly, sensing the change in her demeanor, but Seraphine’s steady hand and calm voice keep them at ease.
"It’s alright, easy now," she murmurs to them, leading the horses over to a small patch of grass a short distance from the road. She ties them off to a nearby tree, making sure they have enough slack to stay comfortable but not enough to wander. She adjusts her sword in its sheath, standing ready in case trouble arises, her eyes flicking between the road ahead and her companions.
While Seraphine handles the horses, Marcus slowly creeps forward, signaling to the others to keep quiet (stealth dirty 20). As he moves along the edge of the path, his body begins to morph and change slightly. His canines sharpen even further, hair sprouts along his jawline and the backs of his ears, and his nails sharpen into claws. With this visual change comes a sharpening of his senses, the only gift he'd ever received from the father he'd never known. Approaching the dead horses, his keen nose and bright yellow eyes take in the scene, looking for any clues as to what might've happened to the riders of these two horses (perception with advantage from shifting 15).
As you approach the horses, you realise that they were ridden by Gundren and Sildar but they are nowhere in sight. The saddlebags have been looted. An empty leather map case lies nearby. Small tracks lead to and from the horses into the woods on either side.
In the city of Neverwinter, a dwarf named Gundren Rockseeker asked you to bring a wagonload of provisions to the rough-and-tumble settlement of Phandalin, a couple of days' travel southeast of the city. Gundren was clearly excited and more than a little secretive about his reasons for the trip, saying only that he and his brothers had found "something big," and that he'd pay you ten gold pieces each for escorting his supplies safely to Barthen's Provisions, a trading post in Phandalin. He then set out ahead of you on horse, along with a warrior escort named Sildar Hallwinter, claiming he needed to arrive early to "take care of business."
You've spent the last few days following the High Road south from Neverwinter, and you've just recently veered east along the Triboar Trail.
You've encountered no trouble so far, but this territory can be dangerous. Bandits and outlaws have been known to lurk along the trail.
OOC: Please introduce your characters. Also, who is driving the wagon and who is walking alongside? Feel free to roleplay a bit.
As the sun rises over the rolling hills along the Triboar Trail, Seraphine Thornvale sits at the front of the wagon, reins firmly in hand. The rhythmic clatter of the cart’s wooden wheels against the dirt road fills the air as the horses plod steadily onward. Sera keeps a watchful eye on the trail ahead, her gold eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of trouble.
The peaceful journey thus far hasn't dulled her instincts; she knows these lands can turn dangerous without warning. Still, she draws a quiet comfort from the task of guiding the horses, her hands steady and sure on the reins.
After a stretch of silence, Seraphine glances back at her companions. A soft smile plays on her lips despite the weight of her mission.
"How are you holding up?" she asks, her voice steady but warm. "We’ve had a quiet road so far, but it’s always the calm before the storm. Keep your eyes sharp."
Her thoughts drift briefly to Gundren and his mysterious "big find." Whatever awaited them in Phandalin, she was ready to face it head-on, just as she always had. But first, the supplies had to arrive safely. One step at a time.
Walking near the back of the trundling wagon, Marcus lets out a grunt of acknowledgement at Seraphine's question, but his mind is focused elsewhere. He'd felt confident about the journey to Phandalin when they had first set out, but ever since they'd veered eastward towards the settlement, his stomach had been twisting itself into all kinds of complicated knots. He hadn't bothered telling his traveling companions, or even Gundren for that matter, that this wouldn't be his first visit to the town. No sense in sharing more than he had to. Once they had their gold from the delivery, they'd all be free to go their own ways and he could deal with his problems the way he always had: alone.
They hadn't seen any signs of trouble in the first half of their journey, so why had the dwarf felt the need to hire five guards for a single wagon of provisions? At this point, he figured he had a better chance of getting kicked in the head by one of the horses than attacked by a bandit. He can't help but flash a grim smile at the thought, momentarily revealing unnaturally sharp canines. Without them, he could almost pass for half- or maybe quarter-elven at a glance, but his eyes were really more yellow than gold, and his pointed ears weren't quite the right shape, so he generally just did his best to avoid drawing too much attention.
Marcus lifts his head and takes a look around as their tiny caravan continues inching forward towards that final turn to Phandalin, nervously turning over the small black crystal in his pocket. Gods, I hope this isn't a mistake. Queen protect me.
Brungir had spent most of the trip in the back of the cramped wagon, having finagled himself enough space to somewhat awkwardly lay out some of his tools. When not being the one to keep a lookout, the dwarf had occupied himself with a small project, not wanting to let his skills go to rust now that he had lost a proper forge to work. His current project was a small metal bearing that he had carved a rune into, causing it to emit the faint smell of a crackling fire.
His mind wandered a bit, wondering what his cousin had found that had made him so eager to rush off ahead. In his own mind he could not fathom going into anything without proper planning and a goal in mind. Perhaps that came from his craft and always wanting to strive for perfection or as near to it as he could when smithing. For now he pushed such thoughts aside as he heard one of the others speak.
"Fine lass just ready to get there." He says, making a few more adjustments with his tools. "If I were a fool I'd I'm doubtin we'll have to worry about anything at this rate... But then ma didn't raise herself a fool." He says as he stows his project and hefts his crossbow, bolt already in place to fire."
[[ From the other thread, Seraphina driving is fine. ]]
Travelling with you is a dwarf by the name of Phait. As the skilled Seraphina navigates the cart, he spends time here and there smoothing out the path along the way.
"I'm holding up well enough." says Phait with a smile in reply to the half-elf's question.
He turns to the fellow cart-riders as a whole, "So what brings you all to Phandalin? For me, Sildar has been a decent friend so I figure if he's helping Gundren out, then there's something to this little adventure."
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Marcus looks over at the dwarf in the back of the cart, letting the question hang in the air for a moment before looking back to the trail and letting out a deep sigh. "Owed Gundren a favor. He needed some extra guards for a trip, I needed gold. Pretty simple exchange, really." He walks in silence for a few moments, thinking on his other reason for going to Phandalin, before adding, "I suppose it also won't hurt to be present for whatever great discovery that dwarf thinks he's made. Not that I believe there's anything to it."
When Phait asks about their reasons for coming to Phandalin, Seraphine chuckles softly under her breath. "Gundren’s a good man," she says as she adjusts the reins slightly. "He’s working hard to bring prosperity to the region, reclaiming what his people lost. That kind of determination... it's something I respect."
Her gaze briefly shifts to the horizon, where distant hills roll gently in the sunlight. "When he offered the job, I didn’t have to think twice. Beats hauling cargo on the docks all day, that’s for sure."
The diminutive fairy Treela has been alternating between flying overwatch and resting in the cart during the trip. Her shimmering bronze skin along with her eyes with multicolored irises and diamond shaped pupils marked her as something fey. But even more than that the blue and purple wings sprouting from her back made it obvious she was not one of the more common races. She was only 2' tall, and that was while wearing high heeled boots. She was also lighter than anyones backpack (including her own).
Treela was currently sitting on top of the supplies. The ever curious fairy had been watching Brungir's metalworking with interest.
Treela had just been wondering how things would go when they reached Phandalin. The task she had been set seemed a little much for a single cleric. So when Phait asked about why they all heading to Phandalin, Treela was inclined to share with the hope that maybe the others might help.
"Regarding my situation, it appears that goblins have desecrated an altar venerating my deity. Consequently, it is imperative that I re-consecrate it, ensuring its protection against future violations. When one receives a divine mandate, it is incumbent upon them to act accordingly. Although the altar resides within the confines of Cragmaw Castle, the oracle has indicated that Sister Garaele may be of assistance in this endeavor.."
Treela then adds, "It is time to undertake a renewed examination for potential adversities that may lie ahead." So saying, she takes to the air again, to get an overhead view of the path ahead of the cart.
"Gundren is a cousin... A distant one but still a cousin. Kept in contact ever since I left Citadel Adbar. Work dried up for me in Neverwinter and I was figurin it was about time to find some new ways to earn some coin. The promise of gold and talk of some good ore to be had was enough to make it worthwhile to set out. I do wish my cousin had been a bit more detailed in his explanation." Brungir says as he leans his crossbow on his shoulder, running a hand through his beard.
Treela:
As you fly over the wagon, you spot two dead horses sprawled about fifty feet ahead of you around the bend, blocking the path. Each has several black-feathered arrows sticking out of it.
Treela flys back down and says, "Trouble ahead, two dead equines blocking the thoroughfare around the bend, both killed by arrows." Since this was an urgent matter, she kept her words breif and concise this time (well brief and concise for her).
Seraphine’s relaxed demeanor shifts the moment Treela mentions the dead horses ahead. Her grip on the reins tightens as her eyes narrow, quickly snapping to the road before them.
"Arrows?" she mutters, a serious tone replacing the previous calm in her voice. "That means bandits or worse."
Without hesitation, Seraphine pulls the cart to a slow stop, keeping her voice low. "What do you all think? We could tie the horses nearby to keep them out of danger, and use the cart for cover while we approach on foot maybe."
"Definitely leave the horses here. Don't want them spooking." Marcus looks to Treela. "Did it look safe to investigate? Anyone with sharp eyes want to come help while a couple people watch the horses? We can yell if there's trouble." Keeping his distance from the cart and the horses, Marcus edges around to the front, ready to go take a look as soon as he gets the go-ahead.
[[ If Treela says it's safe to approach, can I make a perception or survival check to look for tracks to/from the dead horses and any other clues about what might've happened? ]]
OOC: Yes you can make a Perception check
Seraphine nods at Marcus’s suggestion, appreciating his caution. "Good call."
She moves with practiced efficiency, stepping down from the cart and gently detaching the horses from their harnesses. The large creatures snort softly, sensing the change in her demeanor, but Seraphine’s steady hand and calm voice keep them at ease.
"It’s alright, easy now," she murmurs to them, leading the horses over to a small patch of grass a short distance from the road. She ties them off to a nearby tree, making sure they have enough slack to stay comfortable but not enough to wander. She adjusts her sword in its sheath, standing ready in case trouble arises, her eyes flicking between the road ahead and her companions.
The horses whinny gently before proceeding to munch the luscious grass happily.
While Seraphine handles the horses, Marcus slowly creeps forward, signaling to the others to keep quiet (stealth dirty 20). As he moves along the edge of the path, his body begins to morph and change slightly. His canines sharpen even further, hair sprouts along his jawline and the backs of his ears, and his nails sharpen into claws. With this visual change comes a sharpening of his senses, the only gift he'd ever received from the father he'd never known. Approaching the dead horses, his keen nose and bright yellow eyes take in the scene, looking for any clues as to what might've happened to the riders of these two horses (perception with advantage from shifting 15).
As you approach the horses, you realise that they were ridden by Gundren and Sildar but they are nowhere in sight. The saddlebags have been looted. An empty leather map case lies nearby. Small tracks lead to and from the horses into the woods on either side.
Please roll initiative.
Seraphine: 8