Serak: Finding Gundren in the bushes sleeping soundly, Serak shakes the old Dwarf awake and says, "Rise and shine! By skill and luck we survived! Now come to the fire and eat something. Nothing more unsightly than a skinny dwarf! If you're feeling up to it, I'd like to hear your tale of the last few weeks."
Settling in for the evening, the Bard lays out his bedroll near the fire before sharing a bite to eat with the others as Gundren speaks.
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"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
A weak Gundren rises to his feet, groggily wiping his eyes. As he stumbles over to the fire, a yawn bursts forth, pushing the dwarfs words aside. “... awwhhh.... my dear brothers. I’m afraid the last few days have been .... eventful to say the least. Much has changed and I’m afraid we are in more danger than either of us realised. There is only so much I can tell you until I am sure we are safe.”
Gundren eyes them each suspiciously, his gaze resting on Arkhan longer than necessary. “As you know, Sir Hallwinter and I left Neverwinter early, making way down the High Road towards Phandalin. But we were ambushed, caught out by Cragmaw Goblins and taken to some god forsaken cave in the forest. There they took everything from us, threatened and interrogated us. When they got nothing they took me to the castle.”
The dwarf, clearly unsettled, shifts position nervously. “I.... I’m glad Sildar is safe. Horrible brutes those Cragmaw... but working for a higher power. Have you by chance heard of a Drow they call Blackspider?” Again he eyes them each in turn, “I fear it is he that is behind all of this terror and destruction. Perhaps though you know more about him than I my friends? Forgive me...” He grabs at a water skin, pouring it’s contents into his already patched throat, “At the castle... it became obvious that they had found my map to Wave Echo Cave. Their line of questioning diverted from the location of the cave... to the perils within. Despite the Blackspiders apparent power and influence it appears he may be in difficulty. Then as Isay... something hastened them to move me further. I would say that your persistence in finding me has not gone unnoticed.” His throat dries up once more, forcing a dry hoarse cough. “My map brothers, we must retrieve my map.”
Serak: The Bard lights his pipe as he listens to Gundren tell his tale. As the Dwarf finished his story, Serak smooths his goatee in thought before answering. Finally, he says, "Indeed, we've also heard the name Black Spider during our search for you."
After telling the story of Iarno and showing Gundren the documents they'd found, he continues, "It seems everyone is looking for that map, but we'll do our best to recover it. Halia of the Miner's Exchange also seems involved. She attempted to hire us to kill Iarno and return these documents to her. In Neverwinter, she solicited my services to remove the Town Master of Phandalin. What do you know of her?"
Slightly puzzled, Gundren falls silent for a moment, a hundred names and faces flickering through his mind. "Hmmm... Halia you say? I honestly don't recall anyone by that name. Though if she was in the Miners Exchange I'm sure that either I or my two brothers would have had dealings with her at some point...." The rest of the bards sentence seems to linger in the dwarfs minds before fully registering. Clearly troubled, Gundren clumsily tugs at his own beard with a shaky hand. "Wait... she wanted you to.... to kill this Iarno fellow? My word, and you think she has some involvement in this whole sorry ordeal?"
Arkhan stirs and stands finally placing his hand on Grundren's shoulder, "You fellas are in deeper than I thought... so what's our next move then? I think we ought to figure out where these goblin's stay and make sure they pay the price."
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Gash- Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Clearing his throat, Gundren speaks up, “If I may Serak, perhaps it would be useful for me to tag along to the castle? If the map is still there it would be easy for me to identify... and to be honest I have some harsh words to share with those goblins.”
As Serak ponders over the dwarves words he takes a good look at the collapsed cavern nearby. The tumbled mass of stones, some sprouting an assortment of weeds and moss appear to have stood this way for many, many years. At the base of one of the larger boulders lies a broken pick axe, long rusted and rotted - perhaps the last failed attempt to clear the caverns entrance.
Serak: Exhaling a series of smoke rings as he marks the cave for future consideration, Serak answers, "Very well, you stubborn old Dwarf! Take some armor from one of the Hobgoblins and scavenge a bow and blades from the others. We'll rest and be off as soon as everyone is ready."
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"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
OOC: Yes, I think we could all use a Long Rest. Maybe a Short Rest first, followed by sleep?
As for the castle, we should stop a good distance away. Serak plans to scout it out to find the best avenue of approach and then attack under cover of night. They'll likely know we're coming.
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"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Serak: Settling in for the night, Serak takes one last puff of his pipe as he says, "Rest well, friends. For tomorrow we assault the Castle." The Bard sleeps uneasily, thoughts of the dangers ahead never far from his mind.
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"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
OOC: I hope everyone had a good holiday season. Let's get this campaign moving again.
Awakening from their rest, Serak prepares for the final trek to Cragmaw Castle. As he checks his weapons and armor, he says, "Be on alert, friends. They've likely received warning from those that survived the ambush." Slipping into the foliage, he scouts ahead of the party for danger as they back their way toward their goal.
Perception: 15
Stealth: 14
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"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Striding effortlessly through the brush, Serak remains constantly vigilant for any signs of goblins. Before him the endless rows of green thicken, strangling the bright daylight, plunging his surroundings into shade. The forest air is quiet, broken only occasionally by the grumblings of their new Dwarven ally, “Bloody goblins! They’ll pay for this!”
Eventually, and abruptly, the dark forest ends. In the clearing beyond, standing proudly on top of a relatively low hillside, is an old, crumbling castle.
The castle consists of seven crumbling towers of different sizes and heights, but the upper stories are all in varying states of collapse. A short flight of steps leads up to a terrace in front of the main entryway, where a pair or sundered doors lie broken and discarded on the stone floor. Round towers loom over the entry, with dark arrow slits looking down on the terrace.
"Finally" Beetle exclaims... "Not sure if its the right castle but it's a castle none the less...." Beetle pauses and looks at Serak..."quite a large opening leading to the castle. We should probably stay hidden in the tree line and let you scout it out a bit? Or perhaps even wait until nightfall to approach so we will be a little more concealed?"
OOC: and yes I had a great holiday I hope everyone else did.
“I’ve no doubt this is the place.... but look “ Gundren steps forwards, eyeing the castle before them. With a short stubby finger he points to the nearest wall, “Arrow slits in the outer wall. We must be careful...”
OOC: Happy new year to you all, glad you made it back! Was starting to worry :p
"Yes," Beetle says to Gundren, "I didn't notice the arrow slits immediately but even more reason I say we may want to wait and approach at night when it is dark"
"Well, if we want to approach in daylight we should probably recon around the other sides first for lookouts and maybe we even find a wall to approach with no arrow slits...." Beetle pauses for a moment... "but there may not be an opening to get in on the other sides with out scaling the walls and I'm not sure how sturdy they are from the look or the age of this place."
Serak: Having finally found their goal, an expression of disappointment crosses the Bard's face as he says simply, "Hmm... I'm not sure what I was expecting? More? Bodies strung along the walls, animal carcasses and totems I suppose...? The goblins and bugbears are being led by someone with discipline."
Surveying the arrow slits, he continues, "I've no doubt there are archers stationed at those slits at all times. We'll come back at dusk and I'll have a closer look."
Finding a safe place a few miles away to wait, Serak says, "I'll scout out the castle perimeter and find a better entry point. We go in quiet and take out as many as we can before the alarm can be raised."
Assuming their wait uneventful, Serak will lead the party back to the castle so they arrive at nightfall. He'll cast Enhance Ability - Dexterity, first doing a circuit around the perimeter of the forest before moving closer to the castle. He'll search for any other doors or the best place to scale the wall.
Beetle watches quietly as Serak disappears towards the castle.... he keeps a vigilant watch and listens in case the bard runs into something and needs help. He turns to the others and says, "Be prepared friends in case Serak needs us."
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Serak: Finding Gundren in the bushes sleeping soundly, Serak shakes the old Dwarf awake and says, "Rise and shine! By skill and luck we survived! Now come to the fire and eat something. Nothing more unsightly than a skinny dwarf! If you're feeling up to it, I'd like to hear your tale of the last few weeks."
Settling in for the evening, the Bard lays out his bedroll near the fire before sharing a bite to eat with the others as Gundren speaks.
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
A weak Gundren rises to his feet, groggily wiping his eyes. As he stumbles over to the fire, a yawn bursts forth, pushing the dwarfs words aside. “... awwhhh.... my dear brothers. I’m afraid the last few days have been .... eventful to say the least. Much has changed and I’m afraid we are in more danger than either of us realised. There is only so much I can tell you until I am sure we are safe.”
Gundren eyes them each suspiciously, his gaze resting on Arkhan longer than necessary. “As you know, Sir Hallwinter and I left Neverwinter early, making way down the High Road towards Phandalin. But we were ambushed, caught out by Cragmaw Goblins and taken to some god forsaken cave in the forest. There they took everything from us, threatened and interrogated us. When they got nothing they took me to the castle.”
The dwarf, clearly unsettled, shifts position nervously. “I.... I’m glad Sildar is safe. Horrible brutes those Cragmaw... but working for a higher power. Have you by chance heard of a Drow they call Blackspider?” Again he eyes them each in turn, “I fear it is he that is behind all of this terror and destruction. Perhaps though you know more about him than I my friends? Forgive me...” He grabs at a water skin, pouring it’s contents into his already patched throat, “At the castle... it became obvious that they had found my map to Wave Echo Cave. Their line of questioning diverted from the location of the cave... to the perils within. Despite the Blackspiders apparent power and influence it appears he may be in difficulty. Then as I say... something hastened them to move me further. I would say that your persistence in finding me has not gone unnoticed.” His throat dries up once more, forcing a dry hoarse cough. “My map brothers, we must retrieve my map.”
Serak: The Bard lights his pipe as he listens to Gundren tell his tale. As the Dwarf finished his story, Serak smooths his goatee in thought before answering. Finally, he says, "Indeed, we've also heard the name Black Spider during our search for you."
After telling the story of Iarno and showing Gundren the documents they'd found, he continues, "It seems everyone is looking for that map, but we'll do our best to recover it. Halia of the Miner's Exchange also seems involved. She attempted to hire us to kill Iarno and return these documents to her. In Neverwinter, she solicited my services to remove the Town Master of Phandalin. What do you know of her?"
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Slightly puzzled, Gundren falls silent for a moment, a hundred names and faces flickering through his mind. "Hmmm... Halia you say? I honestly don't recall anyone by that name. Though if she was in the Miners Exchange I'm sure that either I or my two brothers would have had dealings with her at some point...." The rest of the bards sentence seems to linger in the dwarfs minds before fully registering. Clearly troubled, Gundren clumsily tugs at his own beard with a shaky hand. "Wait... she wanted you to.... to kill this Iarno fellow? My word, and you think she has some involvement in this whole sorry ordeal?"
Arkhan stirs and stands finally placing his hand on Grundren's shoulder, "You fellas are in deeper than I thought... so what's our next move then? I think we ought to figure out where these goblin's stay and make sure they pay the price."
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Serak: Nodding in agreement, Serak says, "First, let us rest. Then we must get Gundren somewhere secure before we assault the Cragmaw's Castle."
The Bard studies the collapsed cavern, attempting to surmise if it is possible to clear the passage.
Perception: 10
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Clearing his throat, Gundren speaks up, “If I may Serak, perhaps it would be useful for me to tag along to the castle? If the map is still there it would be easy for me to identify... and to be honest I have some harsh words to share with those goblins.”
As Serak ponders over the dwarves words he takes a good look at the collapsed cavern nearby. The tumbled mass of stones, some sprouting an assortment of weeds and moss appear to have stood this way for many, many years. At the base of one of the larger boulders lies a broken pick axe, long rusted and rotted - perhaps the last failed attempt to clear the caverns entrance.
Serak: Exhaling a series of smoke rings as he marks the cave for future consideration, Serak answers, "Very well, you stubborn old Dwarf! Take some armor from one of the Hobgoblins and scavenge a bow and blades from the others. We'll rest and be off as soon as everyone is ready."
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
OOC: A long rest then? What’s the plan of attack for the castle?
OOC: Yes, I think we could all use a Long Rest. Maybe a Short Rest first, followed by sleep?
As for the castle, we should stop a good distance away. Serak plans to scout it out to find the best avenue of approach and then attack under cover of night. They'll likely know we're coming.
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Serak: Settling in for the night, Serak takes one last puff of his pipe as he says, "Rest well, friends. For tomorrow we assault the Castle." The Bard sleeps uneasily, thoughts of the dangers ahead never far from his mind.
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
OOC: I hope everyone had a good holiday season. Let's get this campaign moving again.
Awakening from their rest, Serak prepares for the final trek to Cragmaw Castle. As he checks his weapons and armor, he says, "Be on alert, friends. They've likely received warning from those that survived the ambush." Slipping into the foliage, he scouts ahead of the party for danger as they back their way toward their goal.
Perception: 15
Stealth: 14
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Striding effortlessly through the brush, Serak remains constantly vigilant for any signs of goblins. Before him the endless rows of green thicken, strangling the bright daylight, plunging his surroundings into shade. The forest air is quiet, broken only occasionally by the grumblings of their new Dwarven ally, “Bloody goblins! They’ll pay for this!”
Eventually, and abruptly, the dark forest ends. In the clearing beyond, standing proudly on top of a relatively low hillside, is an old, crumbling castle.
The castle consists of seven crumbling towers of different sizes and heights, but the upper stories are all in varying states of collapse. A short flight of steps leads up to a terrace in front of the main entryway, where a pair or sundered doors lie broken and discarded on the stone floor. Round towers loom over the entry, with dark arrow slits looking down on the terrace.
"Finally" Beetle exclaims... "Not sure if its the right castle but it's a castle none the less...." Beetle pauses and looks at Serak..."quite a large opening leading to the castle. We should probably stay hidden in the tree line and let you scout it out a bit? Or perhaps even wait until nightfall to approach so we will be a little more concealed?"
OOC: and yes I had a great holiday I hope everyone else did.
“I’ve no doubt this is the place.... but look “ Gundren steps forwards, eyeing the castle before them. With a short stubby finger he points to the nearest wall, “Arrow slits in the outer wall. We must be careful...”
OOC: Happy new year to you all, glad you made it back! Was starting to worry :p
"Yes," Beetle says to Gundren, "I didn't notice the arrow slits immediately but even more reason I say we may want to wait and approach at night when it is dark"
"Nighttime..." Arkhan grunts, "eh, so be it."
(ooc: looks like everyone had a nice holiday. it was my birthday on the 2nd so its been quite the eventful couple of week.)
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
"Well, if we want to approach in daylight we should probably recon around the other sides first for lookouts and maybe we even find a wall to approach with no arrow slits...." Beetle pauses for a moment... "but there may not be an opening to get in on the other sides with out scaling the walls and I'm not sure how sturdy they are from the look or the age of this place."
Serak: Having finally found their goal, an expression of disappointment crosses the Bard's face as he says simply, "Hmm... I'm not sure what I was expecting? More? Bodies strung along the walls, animal carcasses and totems I suppose...? The goblins and bugbears are being led by someone with discipline."
Surveying the arrow slits, he continues, "I've no doubt there are archers stationed at those slits at all times. We'll come back at dusk and I'll have a closer look."
Finding a safe place a few miles away to wait, Serak says, "I'll scout out the castle perimeter and find a better entry point. We go in quiet and take out as many as we can before the alarm can be raised."
Assuming their wait uneventful, Serak will lead the party back to the castle so they arrive at nightfall. He'll cast Enhance Ability - Dexterity, first doing a circuit around the perimeter of the forest before moving closer to the castle. He'll search for any other doors or the best place to scale the wall.
Investigation: 8
Perception: 15
Stealth: 16
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Beetle watches quietly as Serak disappears towards the castle.... he keeps a vigilant watch and listens in case the bard runs into something and needs help. He turns to the others and says, "Be prepared friends in case Serak needs us."