Sword Coast Rambling

Leaving the smoke filled cave behind him, Serak searches the area for any further signs of orc or ogre activity. Underfoot, the grass is well trampled, by the orcs activities. However as the bard ventures further the trail becomes less promising. The majority of tracks seem to have been washed away with the previous nights rain, leaving only a small number of scattered footprints, ambiguous in their direction. Following the most promising trail, Serak discovers a set of brutally chopped trees, felled for firewood, nestled into an old glade in the hillside. It is here that the trail ends, again filling the bard with disappointment.

Returning to the group, he discovers the others too have found signs of activity - a wild rabbit slain for sport, a quivers full of orcish arrows spread over the valley, but nothing more than signs of a small orc scout party. With Lucas settling back onto the perch of Brots' shoulder, cooing peacefully, the gnome suddenly remembers about the food laden cart nearby. Full of supplies it offers them a chance to fill their emptying stomachs while they plan their next move.

Serak: At a loss for what to do next, Serak returns to the party and says, "It appears we've reached another dead end, but at least these orcs won't be bothering anyone else." He lights his pipe and inhales deeply, wondering what to do next.

Exhaling a cloud of smoke, an idea strikes the bard and he says, "We should return to Phandalin. Perhaps we missed some clue or someone in town can point us in the right direction?"

"If we must, we could set a trap for this Black Spider. I get overly intoxicated, as I'm known to do, and I spread the rumor that while we've been gone we found Rockseeker's cave. Surely, The Black Spider will send one of his agents after us. We set a trap for them and interrogate them for information."

"For now shall we camp here? Also, should we rebuild the Tor? Perhaps use the Orge's corpse instead of stone and rename the place Ogre Tor?" The bard laughs as he finishes his pipe and lays out his bedroll. 

Syna, "yes, let's camp here.  I would like to examine the area were the stones were and the stones themselves.

Couple of random rolls: 18,17, 70, 1

"Guys! Before we go anywhere, I found a cart full of supplies. Enough to feed us for a while. Let's stock up!"

"Camping here is fine, but even though we are pretty sure we have taken care of this group of orcs I feel we should still be wary." Beetle says... "I will take 1st watch if no one minds..." with that said Beetle turns to move to the mouth of the cave and find a good spot to use as a lookout during his watch, while the others rest.

Syna says, "I nees only a short meditation.  I will relieve you in 4 hours

I think the idea to spread rumor# of Rockseeker’s cave is perfect and just mischievous enough to be loads of fun. 

Once more, the party prepare themselves for a night under the stars in the wilderness. With a bonfire burning a short distance away from the cave mouth and a pile of firewood already prepared, Brots and Serak take turns gathering the supplies from the found cart. As they lay on a small banquet, Beetle and Zyltris begin to rebuild the destroyed Tor, piling rocks high upon the hilltop while Syna examines the site. The druid can easily tell that these rocks have stood on this site for thousands of years and would have many tales to tell were they able. In the largest of the rocks, he finds the fossilized remains of a small fish, perfectly preserved in the stone. 

The hours pass by quickly as they work. As the sun finally sets, the sit around the campfire admiring the rebuilt tor - now topped with the skull of the ogre. One by one, they each make their way into the cave to rest, leaving Beetle to take first watch. Alone with his thoughts for a few hours, the paladin finally has time to think of home once more and the life he has left behind him. He says a prayer quietly to himself, sure that he will return soon enough. The hillside is eerily quiet, save for the sounds of nature - a distant wolf call, a beetle digging itself under a rock, the crackle of the fire as it catches the breeze. When Syna relieves him, Beetle is ready to rest. Unrolling his bedroll close to the cave entrance, he settles into a restless sleep.

Beetle:

Taking second watch, Syna is glad to finally have some downtime. As the clouds clear and wind drops, the druid bathes in the light of the stars. He was once able to recite the constellations by heart, Dayereth had taught him well. To the east, a long winding trail of stars, known to many as The Great Dragon, appears over the horizon. Its three heads clearly visible tonight, shining brightly. Beside it, the two interlocking triangles of The Giant - a fitting appearance tonight - bearing its greatclub and threatening the dragon in an eternal war for the skies. Syna catches himself remembering the last time he took time to admire the stars - his first night away from his old master as he set on his own adventure. So long ago now, but the stars are just as they had been that night. A dark winged shape flies over head, an owl, and the warm fire crackles as a wooden log bursts within.

As the hours pass, daylight slowly returns to the valley. One by one the others reemerge from the cave, ready for another day on the road. Devouring a hearty breakfast, the first decision of the day is who will take the lead on their western march, descending the foothills towards Phandalin...

19,9,11,3,43,4

Serak: Heaving his pack onto his shoulders, Serak readies himself for another long day of travel. He greets the party, "Good day, gentlemen! Let us have a bit of breakfast and then be on our way. I'll scout ahead until we reach the main road. From there, we can travel faster together."

Serak scouts 30ft ahead of the group as they take the trail back to the main road, reporting anything he finds. After that, he'll fall into formation with the party to increase travel speed.

Perception: 6

Stealth: 22

Beetle awakens and finishes his morning prayer to Tyr.  Then joins the others for breakfast and gets ready to hit the road.  "Is there anything her worth bringing back to sell and start financing our stronghold and some better armor?"

OOC: Nothing out of the ordinary Beetle. Only the coin and perfume found in the cave is worth anything.

OCC..dropped Lesser Restoration and picked up [spell]Spiked Growth[\spell]

With the strong wind at their backs, the party finally make their way downhill once more. To the west, the valley gradually slopes downward towards the Triboar Trail which separates the foothills from Neverwinter Wood. In the sky above, the few small clouds that have survived the wind, race past at speed, hurtling along the hilltops towards the distant sea. 

Serak scouts ahead, disappearing over a nearby ridge and keeping a safe distance away from the others. Every mile or so, he finds a safe place to lie low, taking time to rub his aching calves as he waits for the others. Though the layout of the land leaves little risk of them getting lost, the bard would rather not leave it to chance. After a few hours march, the valley finally opens up. Rocky hilltops slowly give way to rolling grass verges once more. Trees and bushes, slowly begin to regain control of the landscape, growing in patches where the ground is less stony. 

Following the soft grass as it winds between one final set of hills, Serak spots a pile of blood stained clothes piled at the mouth of the valley. Other than a strip of fabric rippling in the strong wind, the shape lies still. Taking cover behind a pile of fallen rocks, Serak ponders what to do next. From where he stands he estimates that the bundle is about 6 foot wide by 1 foot high. Beyond the pile, a clear trail of blood leads away to the north east.

Serak: Surveying the gruesome scene set before him, Serak wonders offhandedly if there is a Red Wizard under the heap of bloody clothes. His mind quickly shifts, his senses focusing, as he becomes keenly aware this could be a trap. 

Signaling the party to warn of danger, the bard tears a piece of fleece from his vest, waves his hand and casts Minor Illusion. Serak's voice, appearing to come from directly in front of the party thirty feet behind, speaks in a low quiet tone. Falling momentarily into his old routine as a Shadow Thief, his tone is business like and direct as he says, "A heap of bloody rags, the shape of a man. A blood trail leading to the northeast. I'll investigate and report back. High probability of a trap."

Serak slips off to the east, staying low in the narrow ravines between the hills. He follows this natural trail north. Stopping at the two bushes, he takes cover and investigates the blood trail for clues, while also on the constant lookout for danger.

Investigation: 8

Perception: 20

Stealth: 14

20,6,9,15,15,4,18,11,10,7,12,15,11,

Serak:

Serak: 

OOC: Again, your sleep spell always seems to land perfectly.

Serak runs as fast as he is able through the hills and back towards the others. Casting a nervous glance over his shoulder, the half elf sees the lead wolf fall to the floor in a deep slumber. Without waiting for the others to follow suit, he bounds round another hillside, landing heavily at Beetles feet. 

Turning around sharply, Serak draws his blade, half expecting a chasing wolf to appear. Only when the wolf fails to materialise does the bard finally dare to release his held breath.

Serak: Serak empties his lungs and inhales deeply before exclaiming, "Wolves!" Taking a deep breath, he continues, "... and an injured woman!"

Leading the others quickly back, Serak says, "Vitala!" and casts Healing Word 4 on the injured woman. He then approaches the lead wolf, stabbing at its heart with his rapier. 

Attack(Adv): 21 Damage(Auto-Crit): 13

OOC: I'll have to roll initiative first Serak - my fault should have rolled earlier but got distracted! The wolves are engaged so that would be the suprise round. Your movement now needs to carry you from the party back to the wolves. Nothing wrong with what you've done, just trying to fit it in with the others! A dash would get you to the wolves this turn, and allow you to attack next round. I'll put a map up as well for you, but basically you're currently 60ft of travel from the wolves, 30ft from the woman. All will become clear in a minute...

Initiative Rolls:

Beetle: 17
Brots: 22
Serak: 24
Syna:11
Zyltris: 20

NPC: 14

Wolves: 7

Brots 6 vs Serak 16

ROUND 1

OOC: Should be a nice short one... Just trying to keep it relatively organised!