Mithrokk was set upon by what seems the local thieves guild of Phandalin. Khial is on the run from an assassin's guild he had previously joined. We have sacked a cache and intend to sack several more caches belonging to the Cult of the Dragon. The list of enemies our little band have been collecting is growing at a faster pace than I would have wanted.
Xel hopes that the inscrutable Epos does not mention that his lifelong goal is to defeat a clan of ninjas.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
OOC: Okie-dokie ... looks like you're going up the river ...
After resting from their battles, the party the next morning takes possession of their new boat and sets out for Phandalin.
OOC: DM secret rollz - 19, 11, 13, 9.
The journey to Phandalin takes nearly a day. Going against the current, the party finds that steering the boat is uncomplicated though hard work. The oars don't provide much help, but fortunately a pair of 10-foot poles found on the boat prove more serviceable. Though as wide as 100 feet or more in some places, the river narrows considerably in others, forcing the use of the poles to push off from the shore. The woods are thick on both sides of the river, providing numerous hiding spaces for anything that might ambush you in case your boat runs aground. Fortunately that does not happen, and nothing emerges from the woods to hinder your journey.
Despite these hardships, the party sees the river widen again. From several miles off, they can see what appear to be the tops of stone structures on the west bank of the river.
The sun is beginning its descent and it should be around dusk by the time you reach what appears to be Phandalin.
On the river, a fishing boat ahead of you pulls up its nets and heads towards town. A fisherman sends a friendly wave in your direction. The fishing boat will arive in Phandalin before you.
Epos:
You wonder why a fishing boat is heading to shore at dusk. Your recall, perhaps from childhood, that fish are usually sold in the morning. Then, again, humans are strange creatures ...
During the journey, Xel asks Mithrokk as to how he was captured by the red-robed rogues.
Xel asks Mithrokk "What do you know of Phandalin? If the red-robed rogues captured you, how and when did you come in the company of the brown-robed assassins?".
Turning to Khial, Xel then asks "During your time with your former brethren, would you know if they have a working relationship with the criminal element in Phandalin."
I ask these things because in a short time we will be in enemy territory and I'd like to know if it would be best to get our business done quickly before we encounter any trouble.
Xel looks on to the darkening skies. Much mischief can happen in the dark.
Near dusk, the party approaches a stone harbor built along the west bank of the river. In the fading light, you now see that the stone structures you saw earlier appear to be abandoned ruins; these ruins dominate the part of town near the stone harbor.
Mithrokk:
You recall that when you entered Phandalin, most of the buildings seemed to be ramshackle wooden structures. You saw what appeared to be older stonework further into the town, but you never got a chance to explore that area. The tavern you visited (and fought in) was near the town gates.
Aside from the stone harbor, the banks of the river (on both sides) are very rocky; you suspect you might damage your boat if you decide to land there. The fishing boat you saw earlier is moored beside the stone harbor.
OOC: The following diagram is meant to represent your boat. Please identify which letter of the boat your character is in.
Epos tells the group: "Do you recall that fisherman we met earlier? That's his boat. It seemed strange that he was out fishing at dusk. I suspect that our movements are being watched. Be wary. Perhaps we need to enter Phandalin through an unexpected route."
Xel huddles down in the boat to cast Mage Armor on himself. "Delfect the sword and arrow's path. Protect me from my enemy's wrath." As he casts his spell, he is now able to use some of the magical energy to create a magical ward around his person. Was heading to Phandalin a mistake?
OOC: How dark is it now?
Xel tries to scan his side of the boat for anything out of the ordinary (on the water or on the shore) trying to keep his movements normal and not out of the ordinary.
I will be happy once we are on the shore despite what may be in store for us upon docking.
Turning to Xel and replying to his query, Mithrokk says, "Hmmm, let me gather my thoughts." And after a few moments, continues, "Phandalin is very much a run down settlement and has clearly seen better days. Most of the buildings are dilapidated and 'tis no mystery why - they were made from wood! Such fragile structures," he says while shaking his head as if reprimanding a small child. "Although I doth recall spying some older stonework further into the town, but alas, I had not the time to explore that area."
Continuing with his narrative, he says, "I arrived one evening and found an inn where I spent the night. It had a name that reminded him of an old fable he used to listen to as a bairn - Stonehill. It was there that I broke my fast the next morn and was approached by a woman and her two whelps. She said her husband, a woodcarver, had been slain by these brigands, these Redbrands, after refusing to do their bidding. She said the villains were pursuing her and the children to sell them all into slavery and she pleaded for assistance, for someone to defend them. It was then that I knew Claggedin's will - to deliver the Silverbeard's blessing to these would-be slavers!! As I assured them of my axe's defense, four of the miscreants appeared before me. 'Twas a sprinted skirmish but the scoundrels overcame me. I awoke to find myself on a boat after which Clanggedin delivered me to you and your friends."
Khial tells HDP, "This guild gathers no real ally. One moment, you are considered their 'friend'. But the next moment, they could ambush you for any reason they see fit. From what they taught us: Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer....closer than your daggers' length." He continues, "As for the criminal activity in Phalandin, the guild's involvement would most likely depend on which side is paying a larger sum."
He sits on a corner of the boat, still as a tree. He rolls for stealth check, just in case of a possible ambush along the way: 24
The party's boat is 100 feet from the western riverbank when a commotion breaks out on the stone harbor. The party sees numerous people fleeing the harbor, headed in the direction of town. As they leave, half-a-dozen men in red-dyed leather armor arrive; these intimidating figures, armed with heavy crossbows, spread themselves out among the crates and barrels that litter the harbor.
A lone, snow-white owl flies over the harbor then dives low, skimming over the water as it heads towards your boat.
OOC: Tell me what you decide to do. You can move at a speed of 20 feet towards the shore each round, but only if one party member succeeds on a DC 10 Strength check. That party member will not be able to take any other actions during the round.
If you fail to do this, or choose not to, the current will catch the boat and take you 20 feet downriver (away from the harbor) each round.
It is now past dusk, though a little ambient light remains in the sky. Characters without darkvision have disadvantage on all their attacks.
I'm not presenting a map (yet) for this encounter, because you're currently sitting ducks on your boat ...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Initiative: 10
OOC
1. May I suggest that Mithrokk be the one to move the boat towards the shore since he has the best strength.
2. Are the armed men aiming the heavy crossbows at us or at the fleeing town folk?
3.Is there anything unusual about the owl?
4. If we land away from the harbor, is it difficult to get ashore?
5. What sort of cover do the crates and barrels give them?
6. What cover, if any, do we get from the boat (are we sitting down). If we go prone in the boat, what sort of cover will that give us?
7. If more than one person succeeds in the strength check to move the boat, will it travel further than 20 feet to the shore?
Guys, if the armed men with crossbows shoot at us, they'll be able to shoot at us for 5 rounds (assuming we get closer to the shore each round). If there are 6 of them that's 30 shots in all. That is an awful many shots, even assuming they are human and shoot at disadvantage in the current lighting. A heavy crossbow does 1d10 damage if it hits.
I have a ranged attack. I think Khial has a bow. But we are both human (and so disadvantage to our attacks) and the armed men are behind cover.
I can't use the crossbows from the robed men (assassins) - I believe they are heavy crossbows and I am not proficient in them.
DM -- question, assuming the red robed men are all human -- then they would also be firing at us at disadvantage because of the light.
Can I use Minor Illusion to create a shield (something a dwarf paladin would have to make it believable) large enough to block the front of Mithrokk so that it provides Total Cover - since he's seated in the boat and he's short (because he's a dwarf).
If I tell everyone I am casting an illusion then to the rest of the party it would appear faint and unreal -- faint enough to be able to shoot through if they so desire. What I would want to happen is that to prevent the red robed men from targeting Mithrokk. Mithrokk should also be able to see where he is going.
If I (or any of the other members of the Party) go prone in the boat, would that prevent us from being targeted by the red robed men.
Can we use the Aid action to help Mithrokk make the Strength Check?
4. You'll have to travel a longer distance if you head away from the harbor (about 20-50 feet more, randomly determined). You'll also likely wreck the boat on the rocky shore.
5. Three-quarters cover -- they're crouched behind the barrels shooting at you.
6. No cover if sitting or standing; half-cover if you are prone.
7. No.
Mithrokk:
a) You're wearing metal armor, aren't you? You sure you want to get off now, into the river?
b) You want to anchor the boat? There's no anchor for the rowboat, though. If one of you stops rowing, the current takes you away from Phandalin.
a) Mithrokk does not want to jump in the river; he knows that chainmail and swimming are not warm bedfellows.
b) Got that - boat has no anchor.
Further question: how were we supposed to stop this boat then? Using oars to row against the current to slow the boat down then using the rudder (is there a rudder?) to steer the boat towards shore?
OOC to players:
Any suggestions guys? If we can't slow or stop the boat, then it looks like we are doing a drive-by shooting (or as in this case, a float-by). Who else can use the crossbows we have? Epos? Khial?
OOC: If you move us towards the shore, Xel will one the first round cast Minor Illusion to provide you with cover then drop down prone in the boat. On the second round he will get up and cast dancing lights over the nearest enemy hoping Khial will no longer have disadvantage since there is now a light source and then drop prone again. On the third round, Xel will get up and shoot at the same target as Khial if possible and then drop prone. Same as the fourth round. If by the fifth round we have reached the dock, Xel will need to see the map to know what he will do.
So Mithrokk, --O captain , my captain.
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Xel listens intently to the conversation.
Mithrokk was set upon by what seems the local thieves guild of Phandalin. Khial is on the run from an assassin's guild he had previously joined. We have sacked a cache and intend to sack several more caches belonging to the Cult of the Dragon. The list of enemies our little band have been collecting is growing at a faster pace than I would have wanted.
Xel hopes that the inscrutable Epos does not mention that his lifelong goal is to defeat a clan of ninjas.
OOC: Okie-dokie ... looks like you're going up the river ...
After resting from their battles, the party the next morning takes possession of their new boat and sets out for Phandalin.
OOC: DM secret rollz - 19, 11, 13, 9.
The journey to Phandalin takes nearly a day. Going against the current, the party finds that steering the boat is uncomplicated though hard work. The oars don't provide much help, but fortunately a pair of 10-foot poles found on the boat prove more serviceable. Though as wide as 100 feet or more in some places, the river narrows considerably in others, forcing the use of the poles to push off from the shore. The woods are thick on both sides of the river, providing numerous hiding spaces for anything that might ambush you in case your boat runs aground. Fortunately that does not happen, and nothing emerges from the woods to hinder your journey.
Despite these hardships, the party sees the river widen again. From several miles off, they can see what appear to be the tops of stone structures on the west bank of the river.
The sun is beginning its descent and it should be around dusk by the time you reach what appears to be Phandalin.
On the river, a fishing boat ahead of you pulls up its nets and heads towards town. A fisherman sends a friendly wave in your direction. The fishing boat will arive in Phandalin before you.
Epos:
You wonder why a fishing boat is heading to shore at dusk. Your recall, perhaps from childhood, that fish are usually sold in the morning. Then, again, humans are strange creatures ...
During the journey, Xel asks Mithrokk as to how he was captured by the red-robed rogues.
Xel asks Mithrokk "What do you know of Phandalin? If the red-robed rogues captured you, how and when did you come in the company of the brown-robed assassins?".
Turning to Khial, Xel then asks "During your time with your former brethren, would you know if they have a working relationship with the criminal element in Phandalin."
I ask these things because in a short time we will be in enemy territory and I'd like to know if it would be best to get our business done quickly before we encounter any trouble.
Xel looks on to the darkening skies. Much mischief can happen in the dark.
Near dusk, the party approaches a stone harbor built along the west bank of the river. In the fading light, you now see that the stone structures you saw earlier appear to be abandoned ruins; these ruins dominate the part of town near the stone harbor.
Mithrokk:
You recall that when you entered Phandalin, most of the buildings seemed to be ramshackle wooden structures. You saw what appeared to be older stonework further into the town, but you never got a chance to explore that area. The tavern you visited (and fought in) was near the town gates.
Aside from the stone harbor, the banks of the river (on both sides) are very rocky; you suspect you might damage your boat if you decide to land there. The fishing boat you saw earlier is moored beside the stone harbor.
OOC: The following diagram is meant to represent your boat. Please identify which letter of the boat your character is in.
A B
C D
E F
G H
OOC: F on the Boat
Epos tells the group: "Do you recall that fisherman we met earlier? That's his boat. It seemed strange that he was out fishing at dusk. I suspect that our movements are being watched. Be wary. Perhaps we need to enter Phandalin through an unexpected route."
OOC: E on the Boat.
Xel huddles down in the boat to cast Mage Armor on himself. "Delfect the sword and arrow's path. Protect me from my enemy's wrath." As he casts his spell, he is now able to use some of the magical energy to create a magical ward around his person. Was heading to Phandalin a mistake?
OOC: How dark is it now?
Xel tries to scan his side of the boat for anything out of the ordinary (on the water or on the shore) trying to keep his movements normal and not out of the ordinary.
I will be happy once we are on the shore despite what may be in store for us upon docking.
Turning to Xel and replying to his query, Mithrokk says, "Hmmm, let me gather my thoughts." And after a few moments, continues, "Phandalin is very much a run down settlement and has clearly seen better days. Most of the buildings are dilapidated and 'tis no mystery why - they were made from wood! Such fragile structures," he says while shaking his head as if reprimanding a small child. "Although I doth recall spying some older stonework further into the town, but alas, I had not the time to explore that area."
Continuing with his narrative, he says, "I arrived one evening and found an inn where I spent the night. It had a name that reminded him of an old fable he used to listen to as a bairn - Stonehill. It was there that I broke my fast the next morn and was approached by a woman and her two whelps. She said her husband, a woodcarver, had been slain by these brigands, these Redbrands, after refusing to do their bidding. She said the villains were pursuing her and the children to sell them all into slavery and she pleaded for assistance, for someone to defend them. It was then that I knew Claggedin's will - to deliver the Silverbeard's blessing to these would-be slavers!! As I assured them of my axe's defense, four of the miscreants appeared before me. 'Twas a sprinted skirmish but the scoundrels overcame me. I awoke to find myself on a boat after which Clanggedin delivered me to you and your friends."
OOC: Position D on the boat
OOC: G on the boat
Khial tells HDP, "This guild gathers no real ally. One moment, you are considered their 'friend'. But the next moment, they could ambush you for any reason they see fit. From what they taught us: Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer....closer than your daggers' length." He continues, "As for the criminal activity in Phalandin, the guild's involvement would most likely depend on which side is paying a larger sum."
He sits on a corner of the boat, still as a tree. He rolls for stealth check, just in case of a possible ambush along the way: 24
The party's boat is 100 feet from the western riverbank when a commotion breaks out on the stone harbor. The party sees numerous people fleeing the harbor, headed in the direction of town. As they leave, half-a-dozen men in red-dyed leather armor arrive; these intimidating figures, armed with heavy crossbows, spread themselves out among the crates and barrels that litter the harbor.
A lone, snow-white owl flies over the harbor then dives low, skimming over the water as it heads towards your boat.
OOC: Roll initiative, please.
OOC: Tell me what you decide to do. You can move at a speed of 20 feet towards the shore each round, but only if one party member succeeds on a DC 10 Strength check. That party member will not be able to take any other actions during the round.
If you fail to do this, or choose not to, the current will catch the boat and take you 20 feet downriver (away from the harbor) each round.
It is now past dusk, though a little ambient light remains in the sky. Characters without darkvision have disadvantage on all their attacks.
I'm not presenting a map (yet) for this encounter, because you're currently sitting ducks on your boat ...
Initiative: 10
OOC
1. May I suggest that Mithrokk be the one to move the boat towards the shore since he has the best strength.
2. Are the armed men aiming the heavy crossbows at us or at the fleeing town folk?
3.Is there anything unusual about the owl?
4. If we land away from the harbor, is it difficult to get ashore?
5. What sort of cover do the crates and barrels give them?
6. What cover, if any, do we get from the boat (are we sitting down). If we go prone in the boat, what sort of cover will that give us?
7. If more than one person succeeds in the strength check to move the boat, will it travel further than 20 feet to the shore?
Guys, if the armed men with crossbows shoot at us, they'll be able to shoot at us for 5 rounds (assuming we get closer to the shore each round). If there are 6 of them that's 30 shots in all. That is an awful many shots, even assuming they are human and shoot at disadvantage in the current lighting. A heavy crossbow does 1d10 damage if it hits.
I have a ranged attack. I think Khial has a bow. But we are both human (and so disadvantage to our attacks) and the armed men are behind cover.
Suggestions?
Initiative: 18
OOC to players:
a) What if we try to stop the boat now and get off? Then we can use the crossbows we got from the robed men - there were 3, right?
b) Failing that, we can also engage in a crossbow shootout from the boat until we do get it to stop.
OOC to DM: Can we do a group Str check to stop the boat?
OOC:
I can't use the crossbows from the robed men (assassins) - I believe they are heavy crossbows and I am not proficient in them.
DM -- question, assuming the red robed men are all human -- then they would also be firing at us at disadvantage because of the light.
Can I use Minor Illusion to create a shield (something a dwarf paladin would have to make it believable) large enough to block the front of Mithrokk so that it provides Total Cover - since he's seated in the boat and he's short (because he's a dwarf).
If I tell everyone I am casting an illusion then to the rest of the party it would appear faint and unreal -- faint enough to be able to shoot through if they so desire. What I would want to happen is that to prevent the red robed men from targeting Mithrokk. Mithrokk should also be able to see where he is going.
If I (or any of the other members of the Party) go prone in the boat, would that prevent us from being targeted by the red robed men.
Can we use the Aid action to help Mithrokk make the Strength Check?
Redbrands' Initiative: 9.
DMz secret Initiative roll: 3.
OOC: Xel - 1. Ask Mithrokk.
2. The crossbows are aimed at you.
3. Looks like an owl to you ...
4. You'll have to travel a longer distance if you head away from the harbor (about 20-50 feet more, randomly determined). You'll also likely wreck the boat on the rocky shore.
5. Three-quarters cover -- they're crouched behind the barrels shooting at you.
6. No cover if sitting or standing; half-cover if you are prone.
7. No.
Mithrokk:
a) You're wearing metal armor, aren't you? You sure you want to get off now, into the river?
b) You want to anchor the boat? There's no anchor for the rowboat, though. If one of you stops rowing, the current takes you away from Phandalin.
Initiative 9
Epos says: Perhaps we disembark somewhere else?
OOC: Is it too late to avoid an encounter? Epos wants to take the path of least resistance...
OOC to DM:
a) Mithrokk does not want to jump in the river; he knows that chainmail and swimming are not warm bedfellows.
b) Got that - boat has no anchor.
Further question: how were we supposed to stop this boat then? Using oars to row against the current to slow the boat down then using the rudder (is there a rudder?) to steer the boat towards shore?
OOC to players:
Any suggestions guys? If we can't slow or stop the boat, then it looks like we are doing a drive-by shooting (or as in this case, a float-by). Who else can use the crossbows we have? Epos? Khial?
Initiative roll: 11
OOC: If you move us towards the shore, Xel will one the first round cast Minor Illusion to provide you with cover then drop down prone in the boat. On the second round he will get up and cast dancing lights over the nearest enemy hoping Khial will no longer have disadvantage since there is now a light source and then drop prone again. On the third round, Xel will get up and shoot at the same target as Khial if possible and then drop prone. Same as the fourth round. If by the fifth round we have reached the dock, Xel will need to see the map to know what he will do.
So Mithrokk, --O captain , my captain.