Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer Creatures
Frozen Sick
D&D Beyond Basic Rules
Basic Rules (2014)
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Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer CreaturesFrozen SickD&D Beyond Basic RulesBasic Rules (2014)Sign in to view your library & saved favorites.
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Serak: Deciding the jig is up, the bard approaches the tent door and says, "Pardon me, m'lord. While I awaited Ferghus to leave, I couldn't help but overhear. May I enter so we can speak?" Serak pushes through the flap without waiting for an answer.
Stepping inside cautiously, Serak scans the interior of the tent and says, "Apologies sir, but these goblins concern Sildar's mission. I believe they belong to the Cragmaw Clan. The same goblins that abducted Sildar. They are believed to be holding a hostage that Sildar has charged us with locating. Might my friends and I... umm... have one of the goblins so it can lead us to their lair? Executing the other three would likely make the fourth very cooperative, but I'll leave that decision to you. "
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Beetle:
The wooden cart rattles and shakes as Beetle approaches.. Through the wooden bars, he gets his first glimpse of the the bruised goblins. Inside, they push each other around, eager to get more space for themselves. Ewyn stands guard at the door of the wagon, spotting the paladin approach he warns him away, "I wouldn't get too close if I were you Sir. These beasts can be pretty brutal when they're caged up like this." Not heeding the warning, Beetle stands and stares at the prisoners curiously. Though his experience of goblins is limited to the small band that had ambushed them over a week ago, these beasts seem to be very similar. Short in stature, long pointed wax filled ears, beady red eyes. However it is the goblins teeth that catch his attention. Each one filed into a sharp point.
As he stares fixated, a globule of blood filled saliva splatters onto Beetles chain armour. The responsible goblin grins to himself and growls towards him in the common tongue, "See anything you like Molkac?"
Serak:
Bursting into the tent, Serak catches the pair by suprise. Turl, having gathered his sword belt drops it again in shock, "HELLS! Am I ever to put this blasted thing on?" Sauvage however, seems to be caught awkwardly mid spell. His arms flail unnaturally as he attempts to feign interest in one of the tents supports. After hearing the bards words, Turls face corrects itself from its bright purple shade. "Forgive me Mr Skald, but this is the first time you have mentioned this quest of yours and I'm afraid, Sir Hallwinter has not informed us of such a situation, or as a matter of fact of any band of adventurers working for him. You will forgive me if I am not going to grant your request immediately. Until I have a chance to meet with Sir Hallwinter myself tomorrow, these prisoners are to remain as just that."
The commander pauses for a moment as he fixes his belt. Turning away to buckle the front he stops and stares up into the ceiling of the tent. With a groan he gives in to his nagging doubt, "However... if what you say is true.... Then you must know something about this Cragmaw clan. What kind of threat are we dealing with here?"
Beetle looks at the goblins and asks, "How did you manage to get yourselves caught?" He laughs a little..."I'm sure gobins stupid enough to get caught would never know the location of the Cragmaw, let alone work for the Black Spider..." Beetle laughs a bit at them.."He would never employ creatures this bad..."
Beetle:
The goblin merely laughs at the paladins suggestion. "Pah! Black Spider wishes he controlled mighty Cragmaws. King Grol too smart to let that happen. Just takes the money!" A wry smile crosses the creatures dark bloody lips, "Let us out of here Molkac. Vroig will show you the way to the castle." Pushed forwards by the goblins behind, the lead goblin is crushed against the bars. Kicking and punching behind him he roars out in the goblin tongue, "Bord! Stop pushing! I'm getting us out of here! STOP!"
To goblins in goblin:
"Just look at you fools, pushing and crushing each other against the bars...." Beetle laughs again, "No way you know where the castle is..." Beetle is trying his best to fool the goblins into revealing the location, thinking they are not smart enough to realize what he is doing..."For all you know the castle could be right next to Phandalin."
Deception: 23
Beetle:
Completely taking the bait, the goblin snarls in anger. Its pointed ugly face pressed hard into the bars, "Oh we know Molkac! All goblins know Cragmaw north of here. Stupid Molkac never find it though. Not without goblins." The creature reaches an arm out clumsily, grabbing for the paladin just out of reach. "Come on Molkac. We'll show you the way"
Serak:
Not surprised his request was denied, Serak answers, "This Cragmaw Clan seems comprised mostly of Goblins and Bugbears. We were ambushed west of Phandalin and tracked our attackers to the cave where we found Sildar. Highly organized and adept at setting traps. We seek to infiltrate their castle and rescue any hostages still alive. Sildar will confirm all this tomorrow. Until then, I suppose the topic is closed. Good evening, gentlemen." Serak bows gracefully and turns to leave the tent.
Approaching Beetle and the Goblins, Serak says, "All set, Sir Juice! Sir Turl agrees to free the prisoners, if they tell us the exact location of Cragmaw Castle. His scouts will confirm they speak the truth and then we can free them. He says whichever one speaks first gets to keep all their limbs."
Deception: 12
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Goblin Insight (Wisdom) Check: 8
Beetle Insight (Wisdom) Check: 7
Activity in the cart becomes more frantic as Serak approaches. The goblins to the rear press forward once more, squeezing a helpless goblin against the bars. A pointed face appears through the arms of the foremost goblin and yells in goblin, "Dar druun ar tuul?" With great effort, the lead goblin shoves the head back behind him into the melee, "TOR AC! Den okaan ken. Tan daan agaan ach draal." Turning back to Serak, he growls through his sharp pointed teeth, "You must do better than that och. Molkac here has already promised to free us." The goblin gestures towards Beetle, who stands slightly confused at what is going on here.
Beetle:
Activity in the cart becomes more frantic as Serak approaches. The goblins to the rear press forward once more, squeezing a helpless goblin against the bars. A pointed face appears through the arms of the foremost goblin and yells in goblin, "What does it say?" With great effort, the lead goblin shoves the head back behind him into the melee, "SHUT UP! This one lies. Says we are all dead!" Turning back to Serak, he growls through his sharp pointed teeth, "You must do better than that och. Molkac here has already promised to free us." The goblin gestures towards Beetle, who stands slightly confused at what is going on here.
The sudden flurry of activity alerts Ewyn who stands nearby guarding the cart door, "OI! Keep it down you lot. Sirs, I must ask you to stop antagonizing the prisoners. Step away please." The guard turns away again, sitting on a nearby crate, his stomach rumbles loudly for all to hear.
"I have promised to free no one." Beetle tells the goblins, "Evil filth like yourselves, too dumb to get caught do not deserve to be free." He then walks a bit away and askes Serak to follow...
"The goblins said the castle is north of here...they didn't say an exact location but they definitely say it north." Looking at Serak he says..."So we have a general direction and area...they also said the Black Spider isn't incharge, that someone named King Grol is."
Serak: When out of earshot of the goblins and guards, Serak answers, "Excellent work, my friend. That gives us a place to start looking. After we rescue Syna's friend, we can begin scouting the forest to the north. For now, let us rest and prepare for tomorrow's march to Phandalin."
Serak eats and smokes his pipe before laying out his bedroll for the night.
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Beetle satisfied with the information goes off away from the camp for his daily prayers...then returns to eat and get some rest for tomorrow's journey.
8,8, 10,7
That night, the camp is on edge. The constant threat of a goblin attack looms in the air. Having been dragged into the watch along the treeline Zyltris spends many hours standing on already aching legs. When he is finally relieved of duty in the early hours, he finds his companions around the campfire. Beetle finishing the last of his meal hands a full bowl to the elf. Above them the clouds soar westwards, the shining moon and stars flickering through sporadically.
Before long, morning is upon them. Soldiers of the Lords alliance tear down the camp site and prepare for the last leg of their journey. Many of the men look tired and weary from the long watch. Frustrated that the goblin threat never materialised. After a small breakfast of fruits and grain, the company make tracks, guided by the strong wind ever westwards. Taking the lead once more, Turl rides past as the companions ready themselves, "Come along my good sirs. Today we shall see whether your tale of heroism is true. Pray that Sildar remembers you, lest the cart be even more crowded on its way to Neverwinter. Orchid Hup!" Digging his heels into his horses side, Turl disappears along the growing line of troops.
Relieved that the cart is full this morning, the party follow alongside the caravan which has taken a slower pace to accommodate them. Ferghus doggedly follows them every step, careful not to let them slip away were they tempted to escape. His presence is unnerving, almost distracting them from the task at hand. Jelenneth finally seems to be fighting fit once more. She chats happily to the soldiers along the march, eager to speak to each of them in turn. Before long Syna hears a singing voice coming from near the front of the line. One of the men, either Talisen or Odo, starts singing a song about the Old Grey Hands of Neverwinter - a group of elite adventurers who once protected the city. Judging by the songs lyrics, the long disbanded group of heroes lived exciting lives.
"...Evil invaded the city of splendor,
The dragons and demons would never surrender,
Grey hands assembled, weapons raised defiant,
Jardwim and Asper and Harshnag the giant!
Orcs were pushed back into the mountains,
Demons were slain, goblins drowned in the fountains..."
Soldiers voices echo down the trail as others in the company join in. One song becomes another, followed by another as the miles pass by. As night falls, and voices grow hoarse, the trail finally turns the familiar bend revealing the mountain town of Phandalin spread before them.
Making their way down the narrow track towards the towns square the soliders are forced to squeeze together in a tight formation. Confused towns folk either cheer or hide, unsure about who or what these men are here for. A halfling boy spots Serak and waves happily as he passes, quickly pulled back by his mother.
Coming to a halt beside the first few buildings along the main street, Turl dismounts. The commander walks purposefully along the line of troops bidding a good day to Barthen as he locks up his store for the night. Stopping when he finally reaches Beetle and Serak, Turl clears his throat. "Well Sirs, it appears we have arrived. Perhaps you could show me where exactly I can find Sir Hallwinter?"
Serak: Serak waves back cheerfully to the halfling boy and nods respectfully to Barthen as he takes the lead toward the Town Master's Office, saying, "Right this way, Sirs. Sildar is usually found at the Town Master's Office. We'll join you, as the crooked little halfling owes us gold for clearing the Orcs from Wyvern Tor."
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Swinging the door open forcefully, Serak steps into the townmasters hall. A loud shriek rings in the half-elfs ears as Harbin Wester drops a stack of books he was carrying across the room. Standing beside the fireplace warming his hands, Sildar laughs loudly at the fat mans cowardice. The townmasters hands shake terribly as he begins lifting the dropped tomes, recently he's been feeling more nervous than usual.
Shoving the others aside, Lord Turl pushes past authoritatively, forcing Serak to take a sidestep as he is knocked off balance. "Ah! Here you are Sir Hallwinter. So glad to see you again after all this time! I believe you have a little something for me?" Joining in with the commanders laughter, Sildar feels slightly relieved at the arrival of reinforcements. "Ho ho! Indeed Lord Turl. Your arrival is well timed as always. Although I'll be honest I half expected the Alliance to call for someone from Neverwinter. Regardless, I see you have met my trusty companions here. I do hope they haven't been too much trouble!" Sildar laughs to himself, throwing a friendly wave at Serak, Syna, Beetle, Brots and Zyltris standing in the doorway, "Good evening gentlemen. It's been a while! Let me sort out Lord Turl here and I'll be right with you."
Turls face drops at Sildars endorsement. A flourish of red shades his scrumpled up face. Rubbing a hand through his black beard he clears his throat again, "Yes indeed Sir! No mucking about, you haven't changed! Lead the way to this fiend!" Grabbing Sildar by the shoulders and taking his lead through the doorway their voices fade away as they head to the cells. "Must have been some trouble down here for you to be involved...."
The voices fade, leaving the party temporarily alone with the townmaster, sitting quietly at his desk hidden behind a large book. Its cover subtly shaking as its reader secretly wishes that his guests would kindly leave and cause no more trouble.
Serak: Seeing an opportunity to finally discern the Lord's Alliance stake in all this, Serak waits a moment before slipping out behind Sildar and Turl. Staying within earshot when possible, the Shadow Thief lurks silently as he follows, listening to their conversation for clues to their true intent.
Investigation: 15
Perception: 7
Stealth: 24
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Darting across the room, Serak sticks a foot into the closing door before it clicks shut. Holding a finger to his lips, he throws a quick glance at his friends before sneaking away. The main room falls silent as the voices fade away. Harbin coughs weakly and instantly regrets drawing attention to himself. An awkward air descends upon them.
Serak:
Through the door lies a flight of steep stone steps leading downwards into the townmasters cellar. At the foot of the stairs, a torchlight flickers faintly, its light accompanying a pair of deep voices upwards.
".... nothing I can't handle I assure you, hoho. We've been through worse scrapes than this! Remember that trouble in Daggerford, years ago!" Sildar chuckles to himself, though there's an unease in his voice. "...I'm afraid not Sir. Can't remember ever being in Daggerford now... was that with... oooh whats his name.... Istvil?" Turls voice, intentionally raised to assert his dominance, is badly misjudged. The commander almost yelling in the narrow passageway.
"That's Sir Isteval now, but yes. He's made quite a name for himself up there I hear."
"Hells. That was some time ago. Lucky scrap that was if I remember rightly. And here you are.... word was you'd retiring sir. What brings you out here?"
"Ah well, one never does truly retire. I had a friend coming this way and requested the assignment to accompany him. Nice quaint little town, away from the city and a good payment. Could hardly say no to that. Well.... at least it started out that way. Not as sharp as I used to be apparantly. Goblins got us on the High Road."
"So I'd heard. Those fellows of yours.... you trust them?"
"Literally with my life Sir. If it weren't for them, well I would be a goblin stool. They've been quite reliable, save the odd occasion. Cleaned up the town in a couple of days. Which brings us to..... these fine fellows."
The voices fall silent for a moment as the pair stop beside the jail cells. Serak tip toes down the stair way, hiding behind the cover of the wall, daring to peek around the edge. Sildar and Turl stare into the cells. In the first, two red cloaked men, sit groggily against the far wall, likely days since their last decent meal. In the other, a pile of rags lay crumpled on the cold stone floor.
"I don't think you'll know this one, but I can assure you he is a handful. Iarno Albrek. Once a wizard in the Alliance believe it or not. Sadly he has been turned away from righteousness. Built a small militia and terrorized the town here - extortion, murder, assault you name it."
"Hmm... in that case I'm glad I have brought Sauvage with me. Wizards can be.... tricky prisoners. These two coming as well?" Turl gestures to the two redbrands in the neighbouring cell.
"Oh yes yes, just two of his men. Black out drunk when they came in! They won't be as much bother. Sure you won't lads?"
The two red brands grunt back in response. Concern spreads across Turls face. Pointed a finger at the pile of rags, he nudges Sildar.
"Is.... is the wizard alright? We can't try a dead man"
"Oh he's quite fine," Sildar draws his sword stabbing it into the rags on the floor. With a yelp Iarno leaps up, glaring at his captor. "Aren't you Iarno?"
"Heh... good... good." Turning back to the stairway, Turl leads the way back towards the townmasters hall. Serak quickly turns on his heel, taking two steps at a time as he bounds away.
Skidding back into the room, Serak quietly closes the door behind him before sliding across the floor, propping himself casually on the townmasters desk. Two voices grow steadily louder from beyond the door, as the men head back towards them.
"....men and I will leave early tomorrow and make for Neverwinter. Shouldn't take more than a few days." Turls voice booms loudly in the corridor, almost too loudly.
"That will suit me. The sooner these men are out of Phandalin the better. There's a dark shadow hanging over us while they rest here. Mr Wester hasn't slept in almost a week..." Sildar opens the door to the townmasters office, allowing Turl to step inside before him. "If that is all Sir, I will bid you a good evening. If your men are interested, The StoneHill Inn is quite good. Just don't cause any trouble!" Turls face flashes in anger as Sildar slaps him playfully but hard on the back, though he quickly regains himself. Making his way to the door, Turl glares at Serak and the others, "'Till tomorrow then. Evening gentlemen."
"So Sildar, how are things shaping up here since we cleared out the Redbrands? The town improving at all?" Beetle asks..."I am also happy to report that we have cleared out the orcs and we also found a necromancer with a dozen or so undead in a tower." Beetle grins a bit..."Consider them safely removed as well. We still have not found the Black Spider but we are determined to."
Smiling as Turl leaves, Sildar finally breathes a sigh of relief. Taking up his position beside the fire once more the veteran soldier clenches his hands tightly before stretching them again. His knuckles crack, infiltrated by the cold of the cells. With his back to the crackling warmth he finally turns his attention back to the party.
"Well Sir Beetle, I'm glad to say we've had no difficulties whatsoever in the week or so since you left. The redbrands appear to have completely disappeared from the town and business is starting to pick up once more from what I've heard." Glancing over at the townmaster, still buried in his book, Sildars smile falls slightly. "Harbin perhaps you could reward these gentlemen for their efforts in clearing the orcs from the Tor as requested? A necromancer and undead as well.... peculiar but then you'll find all sorts out there ho ho!"
Without glancing up from behind his book, Harbin Wester draws a small coin purse from a drawer in his desk. (100 gold pieces - 20gp each) Risking a glance at the heroes through his tiny round spectacles, he quickly retreats to safety as he places it onto the desk. Sildar resignedly sighs again and rolls his eyes. "Th... thankyou Harbin. Yes, I'm afraid I have heard no news of the Blackspider either. Some travellers had reported men clad in black riding west of here a few days ago but without any one to chase them thats the closest lead I had. Even then it could be anyone. No sign of Gundrens brothers either, they've been gone now for a couple of weeks." A look of concern haunts Sildars eyes, but there's little he can do while tied to the office. His attention is drawn suddenly to Jelenneth who stands slightly awkwardly at the rear of the party, "Sorry M'lady. I didn't see you there. Sildar Hallwinter as you may have gathered. You've fallen in with a good group of men anyway!"
Jelenneth returns the smile warmly, "Oh I'm not... Jelenneth Eathalena. It's a pleasure."
Turning back to Beetle and the others, Sildar gets back to business, "What are your next plans then men Any leads of your own?"
Beetle turns to Sildar again...."The men that brought us back here captured some goblins. From what I was able to gather from the captives the castle we are looking for is somewhere north of where the goblins were caught. I could not get an exact location but a general one is better than nothing." Beetle pauses for a moment...."The goblins also said the Black Spider, they definitly knew him, was not in charge. They said King Grol was. Any idea who that is or have you heard of him?"
Zyltris goes to the bar and asks for a pick-me-up of some sort. “That watch I got dragged into took it out of me.”