Panting the ranger gives a nod to Vigan "Circle round, one more yet remains" Carrow sheaths his longsword and takes the Bow from his back. "Be ready" he calls to Andor. Closing his eyes for a second he allows his mind to clear, letting go he watches the fog slowly begin to fade.
As the fog begins to fade, the group can see, at first, a dark form on the ground. Moments later, when the full light of day shines on the area, the barbarian's dead body can be seen lying in a pool of blood. He has been run through with his own spear, seemingly a self-inflicted wound.
A search of the dead, including the shaman and the berserker, reveals that they had nothing of interest or value in their possession.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Vigan
The goliath counts the bodies as he surveys the battle site, the snow turned to slush in large patches, mixed with blood to give it a pinkish hue. "Well Rixton, I doubt you had this in mind when you took that trinket from that warrior."
Cleaning the blade of his glaive on the clothing of a nearby Uthgardt, Vigan then grunts in pain as he drops to the ground and lies on his back, allowing the cold of the snow to numb the wound on his back.
I rinse the blood off my hands in the snow as Irena trots over. "Well, it is mostly what I had in mind. It was better they charged at us than to run through their spear and arrow fire. I didn't realize they had already flanked us, though. Forcing their hand seemed to work out," I say, adding, "For the most part." I wince as I rub some of the snow on my bleeding cheek.
During day 1 in The Crags, the group traveled H3-->H4-->G4-->F4.
During day 2, the group traveled F5-->F6, where the barbarians were encountered.
Is the plan to continue south for the remainder of day 2, through squares F7 and F8? (As a reminder, I've already done the d6 rolls for random encounters in those two squares; the rest of day 2 will be peace and bliss). If it's agreed upon that day 2 ends in F8, then let me know which four grid squares the group will cover during day 3.
"Phew, that was a close one, but nice skills you guys showed. Is everyone ok to continue the journey? Maybe we should have picked healing potions..." he asks turning to the group
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Leaving the task of burying the dead to the next winter storm, the five adventurers continue south for the remainder of the day. After a simple meal and a night's rest, the next morning--cold and gray--arrives, and the group sets out on horseback once again.
Although you haven't reached a consensus on which route to take, it seems that grid square F9 would be the first part of day three; so I am proceeding under that assumption and will roll here for any random encounter in that square: 4.
Based on what you've posted above, it seems like the discussion revolves around heading toward D10 (three possible routes in blue) or J9 (one route in yellow).
After traveling south for a few hours, the discussion begins in earnest about which direction to head next...
"I'm just saying," I say exasperated, "the farther we get from the Long Road, the stronger the chance that the city we return to will already be in ruins. And you still haven't said why Morgur's Mound is of any importance yet." It feels like we have been talking about this for the last hour, although it can't have been that long. I pat Irena's neck as she thrashes a bit, sensing my own frustration. "There, there, girl." I continue with my argument, "The dwarf we are after just headed into the crags. He could be behind us for all we know."
Rixton's persistence begins to grate on the goliath, riding alongside him. "More like 15 minutes, my friend, and you've been doing all the talking. Our map lists Morgur's Mound as a place of significance, and I would prefer to travel with a destination in mind, rather than wander aimlessly. It would be far too easy to get lost in these crags and wander in circles for days."
The goliath trots ahead of his companions and turns his horse in front of them, bringing the group to a stop. "If you yearn for a warm bed and hot cup of milk, Rixton, you need only say. While some of us are accustomed to these conditions...", he nods in Carrow's direction, "I understand other may have a weaker constitution. With no information about where this dwarf is, one destination is as good as another."
The party's third day in the Crags is a quiet one. They travel west until the early afternoon and then turn south for a few hours before nightfall sets in. A shallow cave at the base of one of the hills serves as their campsite that night. Day four begins just as day three did--quiet, cold, no snowfall, no wind, and a dull gray sky overhead. After pausing for an hour or so to rest and eat their midday meal, the five adventurers are continuing along their southward route, hoping to reach Morgur's Mound by sunset, when they suddenly become aware that they are being hunted.
Two crag cats have managed to remain undetected by all riders and horses. Silently, and camouflaged exceedingly well, these two large predators have closed the gap between themselves and their targets and are ready to attack. By the time the party is aware of the cats' presence, one of the cats, moving at full speed, is within 40' of Rixton; the second cat, in full sprint toward Carrow, is 60' away from the ranger.
The entire party is surprised. The crag cats' stealth rolls trump the party members' and horses' passive perception. As stated in PHB, "If you're surprised, you can't move or take an action on your first turn of the combat, and you can't take a reaction until that turn ends." So, for the first turn, only the crag cats can take an action. After that, actions will take place according to initiative order:
Carrow
Andor
Crag cats
Ladrian, Rixton, and Vigan
Lastly, I'm thinking we can forgo using a battle map in this encounter. A little theater of the mind might be a nice change.
The crag cat that is focused on Rixton closes the gap in a blur, leaps, and swings its massive paw at the rogue...
Claw attack:12| Slashing damage:10
The second cat races through the snow toward Carrow and readies itself to pounce.
(Carrow and Andor may take their round 1 actions; the crag cats will follow. For tracking purposes, it can be assumed that all players are within 30' of both crag cats)
Incompetent, lazy and foolish to think he was safe in the crags, a few days pampered here and there in the city had softened the wits he thought, dulled the senses he cursed, how can he be relied upon out here in the wilderness. Turning in shock the Ranger saw the glistening eyes of a powerful Crag Cat ready to pounce, any other time this beast would be a magnificent specimen to observe and eventually hunt but now crouched low with muscles tensed Carrow had to act or be it's prey.
Drawing both shortswords the Ranger dives from the saddle and attacks slashing and stabbing at the Crag Cat.
Leaping from the saddle, Carrow lands awkwardly and falls to his knees. Fortunately, being so near the ground gives the ranger an opportunity to slash at the large cat's underbelly. Both blades find their mark, and the cat lets out a loud half-shriek, half-hiss.
(Andor's action is next, followed by the crag cats)
With a quick scan of the surrounding area Andor tries to see if three are any more cats about. All the time positioning his horse close but not too close to Carrow he tries to freeze the beast to slow it's attacks.
Casts Frostbite for 3 cold damage and disadvantage on next attack if it fails a DC14 Con save
CON save for crag cat struck by the frostbite spell: 14
Stabbed twice by Carrow, the crag cat barely takes notice of the effect of Andor's spell. The cat crouches for a moment and, then, with blinding speed leaps at the ranger...
Bite attack:9| Piercing Damage:12
Oddly enough, Andor feels the effect of his Frostbite turned upon himself (for 3 cold damage).
The other crag cat remains fixated on Rixton. It quickly turns itself around after missing with its first pounce, charges, and leaps again...
Claw attack:20| Piercing Damage:4
STR saving throw for Rixton: 1
The cat's blow is just enough to knock Rixton from his horse; he lies prone in the snow, with the cat hulking over him...
Bite attack (bonus action):21| Piercing Damage:12
(Ladrian, Rixton, and Vigan may act; be sure to specify which cat is targeted)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Vigan
The goliath watches as Rixton falls hard from his saddle, the rogue, as always, acting as an irresistible target for whatever the group happens to be fighting.
Quickly dismounting, he moves a few steps towards Rixton and the crag cat getting acquainted with him, and launches a handaxe at its hind quarters, hoping to avoid adding further misery to Rixton's current situation.
Carrow
Panting the ranger gives a nod to Vigan "Circle round, one more yet remains" Carrow sheaths his longsword and takes the Bow from his back. "Be ready" he calls to Andor. Closing his eyes for a second he allows his mind to clear, letting go he watches the fog slowly begin to fade.
As the fog begins to fade, the group can see, at first, a dark form on the ground. Moments later, when the full light of day shines on the area, the barbarian's dead body can be seen lying in a pool of blood. He has been run through with his own spear, seemingly a self-inflicted wound.
A search of the dead, including the shaman and the berserker, reveals that they had nothing of interest or value in their possession.
Vigan
The goliath counts the bodies as he surveys the battle site, the snow turned to slush in large patches, mixed with blood to give it a pinkish hue. "Well Rixton, I doubt you had this in mind when you took that trinket from that warrior."
Cleaning the blade of his glaive on the clothing of a nearby Uthgardt, Vigan then grunts in pain as he drops to the ground and lies on his back, allowing the cold of the snow to numb the wound on his back.
Second Wind: regain 7 hp
Rixton:
I rinse the blood off my hands in the snow as Irena trots over. "Well, it is mostly what I had in mind. It was better they charged at us than to run through their spear and arrow fire. I didn't realize they had already flanked us, though. Forcing their hand seemed to work out," I say, adding, "For the most part." I wince as I rub some of the snow on my bleeding cheek.
Is the plan to continue south for the remainder of day 2, through squares F7 and F8? (As a reminder, I've already done the d6 rolls for random encounters in those two squares; the rest of day 2 will be peace and bliss). If it's agreed upon that day 2 ends in F8, then let me know which four grid squares the group will cover during day 3.
(I favor moving south as anticipated and day 3 being an Eastward March)
(Agreed J9 would be a good place to end Day 3 imho)
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Ladrian
"Phew, that was a close one, but nice skills you guys showed. Is everyone ok to continue the journey? Maybe we should have picked healing potions..." he asks turning to the group
(I also agree with going south)
Vigan
"Those Uthgardt were all bark and no bite." The goliath detaches Nyx's reins from the brush where he left her, and prepares her for departure.
"We should head for Morgur's Mound."
Vigan's plan would be Heading to F8, then D10 and E13 (Morgur's Mound).
Carrow
"No bite perhaps, but somebody will notice these tribesmen missing, let's pray we are long gone by the time the tribe comes looking"
The ranger rechecks the pack on his horse and mounts up ready to leave. "I'm good to continue, shall we head for the mound ?"
Leaving the task of burying the dead to the next winter storm, the five adventurers continue south for the remainder of the day. After a simple meal and a night's rest, the next morning--cold and gray--arrives, and the group sets out on horseback once again.
Although you haven't reached a consensus on which route to take, it seems that grid square F9 would be the first part of day three; so I am proceeding under that assumption and will roll here for any random encounter in that square: 4.
Based on what you've posted above, it seems like the discussion revolves around heading toward D10 (three possible routes in blue) or J9 (one route in yellow).
After traveling south for a few hours, the discussion begins in earnest about which direction to head next...
Rixton;
"I'm just saying," I say exasperated, "the farther we get from the Long Road, the stronger the chance that the city we return to will already be in ruins. And you still haven't said why Morgur's Mound is of any importance yet." It feels like we have been talking about this for the last hour, although it can't have been that long. I pat Irena's neck as she thrashes a bit, sensing my own frustration. "There, there, girl." I continue with my argument, "The dwarf we are after just headed into the crags. He could be behind us for all we know."
Vigan
Rixton's persistence begins to grate on the goliath, riding alongside him. "More like 15 minutes, my friend, and you've been doing all the talking. Our map lists Morgur's Mound as a place of significance, and I would prefer to travel with a destination in mind, rather than wander aimlessly. It would be far too easy to get lost in these crags and wander in circles for days."
The goliath trots ahead of his companions and turns his horse in front of them, bringing the group to a stop. "If you yearn for a warm bed and hot cup of milk, Rixton, you need only say. While some of us are accustomed to these conditions...", he nods in Carrow's direction, "I understand other may have a weaker constitution. With no information about where this dwarf is, one destination is as good as another."
Rixton:
I smirk and let Vigan's jab slide. "No warm beds until we find the dwarf, right? Alright. East, then."
The party's third day in the Crags is a quiet one. They travel west until the early afternoon and then turn south for a few hours before nightfall sets in. A shallow cave at the base of one of the hills serves as their campsite that night. Day four begins just as day three did--quiet, cold, no snowfall, no wind, and a dull gray sky overhead. After pausing for an hour or so to rest and eat their midday meal, the five adventurers are continuing along their southward route, hoping to reach Morgur's Mound by sunset, when they suddenly become aware that they are being hunted.
Two crag cats have managed to remain undetected by all riders and horses. Silently, and camouflaged exceedingly well, these two large predators have closed the gap between themselves and their targets and are ready to attack. By the time the party is aware of the cats' presence, one of the cats, moving at full speed, is within 40' of Rixton; the second cat, in full sprint toward Carrow, is 60' away from the ranger.
The entire party is surprised. The crag cats' stealth rolls trump the party members' and horses' passive perception. As stated in PHB, "If you're surprised, you can't move or take an action on your first turn of the combat, and you can't take a reaction until that turn ends." So, for the first turn, only the crag cats can take an action. After that, actions will take place according to initiative order:
Lastly, I'm thinking we can forgo using a battle map in this encounter. A little theater of the mind might be a nice change.
The crag cat that is focused on Rixton closes the gap in a blur, leaps, and swings its massive paw at the rogue...
The second cat races through the snow toward Carrow and readies itself to pounce.
(Carrow and Andor may take their round 1 actions; the crag cats will follow. For tracking purposes, it can be assumed that all players are within 30' of both crag cats)
Carrow
Incompetent, lazy and foolish to think he was safe in the crags, a few days pampered here and there in the city had softened the wits he thought, dulled the senses he cursed, how can he be relied upon out here in the wilderness. Turning in shock the Ranger saw the glistening eyes of a powerful Crag Cat ready to pounce, any other time this beast would be a magnificent specimen to observe and eventually hunt but now crouched low with muscles tensed Carrow had to act or be it's prey.
Drawing both shortswords the Ranger dives from the saddle and attacks slashing and stabbing at the Crag Cat.
Acrobatics 4
Attack 16
Damage 8
Two Weapon Fighting (off hand attack)
Attack 25
Damage 2
Edit: Crit 5
Leaping from the saddle, Carrow lands awkwardly and falls to his knees. Fortunately, being so near the ground gives the ranger an opportunity to slash at the large cat's underbelly. Both blades find their mark, and the cat lets out a loud half-shriek, half-hiss.
(Andor's action is next, followed by the crag cats)
With a quick scan of the surrounding area Andor tries to see if three are any more cats about. All the time positioning his horse close but not too close to Carrow he tries to freeze the beast to slow it's attacks.
Casts Frostbite for 3 cold damage and disadvantage on next attack if it fails a DC14 Con save
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
CON save for crag cat struck by the frostbite spell: 14
Stabbed twice by Carrow, the crag cat barely takes notice of the effect of Andor's spell. The cat crouches for a moment and, then, with blinding speed leaps at the ranger...
Oddly enough, Andor feels the effect of his Frostbite turned upon himself (for 3 cold damage).
The other crag cat remains fixated on Rixton. It quickly turns itself around after missing with its first pounce, charges, and leaps again...
STR saving throw for Rixton: 1
The cat's blow is just enough to knock Rixton from his horse; he lies prone in the snow, with the cat hulking over him...
(Ladrian, Rixton, and Vigan may act; be sure to specify which cat is targeted)
Vigan
The goliath watches as Rixton falls hard from his saddle, the rogue, as always, acting as an irresistible target for whatever the group happens to be fighting.
Quickly dismounting, he moves a few steps towards Rixton and the crag cat getting acquainted with him, and launches a handaxe at its hind quarters, hoping to avoid adding further misery to Rixton's current situation.
Attack: 9
Damage: 7
Precision Attack adjustment: 11