(OOC - I can't think of anything that Thad needs - other than healing potions, but then he doesn't have the money for that at present. So happy to move to the cathedral as soon as everyone else is ready.)
(ooc Lilandra is good to go as well, unless they can get items for cheap but i can move on. The question is do we go on foot or is it far and can we get horses from the baron? Im assuming we know where this place is)
(OOC: Morgan is ready to move on, he has nothing he needs from the keep.)
Sweeping out of the chamber, Morgan heads through the familiar keep and towards the nearest exit. He does not acknowledge the servants as he passes, though he notes their being there as he moves by them. He frowns as he reaches the courtyard outside, wishing he had not traveled here via teleportation circle, as his mount is now back in his father's villa stables. "Looks like we are walking." He informs the others as he turns towards the path they need to follow. He would glance to the others, his gray eyes probing. "anyone need something before we leave?"
For the sake of brevity we can say that since the baron knew he was sending you on this quest he also ordered some provisions to be made available and ready for immediate departure. This would include a complimentary potion of greater healing for each of you, lanterns or torches if you want them, and you do have some horses to use. (Sorry DragonDenn, you jumped the gun a little on that one). Morthos can already have his own set of thieves tools. Servants would also be on hand to procure any additional supplies you might need for a wilderness trek, so if you want any other basic adventuring gear, include it in your next post and it will have been provided to you.
Thad and Lilandra, being locals, would have heard that Gernacht’s cathedral is, as the baron said, located somewhere beyond the forest northwest of town. Exactly where or how far would be unknown to you, so to undertake this journey we’re going to have a…
SKILL CHALLENGE!
Think of it like a minigame representing a montage sequence of the excursion. Here’s how it works:
Pick any skill you are proficient with, and try to come up with a creative scenario you can use that skill to help during this travel through this old, hilly, craggy forest through the night and into the following day.
Make a check with that skill against a DC of 12.
If you pass, write a little story describing the successful scenario.
If you fail, write a little story where you still succeed the scenario, but you get hurt in the process (1d10 damage).
Wait until each player attempts one skill check before you make a second one (only if needed, and if you do make a second one it must be with a different skill).
The goal is for the group to accumulate 4 total successes before accumulating 3 total failures.
If the party accumulates 3 failures, you will still find the cathedral, but at a greatly delayed time.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(It’s great to see another fan of Matt Coville!)
Morthos hated trekking through woods- he preferred the hustle and bustle of great cities instead. And he was more than wary of the type of people who choose to reside in such places. Many were highwayman and outlaws seeking sanctuary from the law, and even those who weren’t clung to strange traditions. However, it seems he had to deal with such folk today.
As he rode through the night, he spotted a light in the distance. A lantern, or campfire? Whoever lit it may provide with some more solid directions to the cathedral. Morthos dismounted and strode to the light, hoping to perhaps persuade someone to help them find a better route to their mission.
Persuasion: 14
Morthos was surprised to find a small cabin in the woods with warm light coming from a window. Perhaps his suspicions were unfounded? Maybe a friendly (and pretty) maiden will invite him in for a cup of tea, and he can take a short rest from riding. Morthos smiled and knocked on the door.
“Who the hell is that, at this hour!”
The heavy wooden door flew open and crashed in Morthos, knocking him to the ground for 10 damage. As his vision cleared, he saw a tall half-orc woman with a longbow in hand, scowling at the fallen half-elf.
“What do you want,” she said.
Morthos stuttered. “Just directions to Gernacht’s cathedral.”
The half-orc woman turned out to be much friendlier than he anticipated. She was a ranger, who lived in these woods to protect the forests and had a good idea of the routes and shortcuts through it. Morthos left with a better map and set of directions, but also a lump in his head and a bruised ego.
(As for basic adventuring gear, Morthos will pack three of each of the following: ball-bearings, caltrops, and flasks of oil. He’ll also bring some extra rations on his horse in case they get lost in the woods, maybe 15).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Morgan paid attention to what was around them, trusting the locals to lead them to the correct place. He wanted to make sure they all got there in one piece.
Perception: 17
As they rode out of the gates, He was towards the front, riding near those who were better knowing of the area. He had his eyes on the land to either side of the trail, and was not paying attention to the path itself. When his mount stopped suddenly, he was thrown over its head, landing in a bush ahead of them. His sudden stop in the bush sent some figures running away into the woods, their ambush broken before they could attack.
Morgan climbed from the bush, belatedly drawing his greatsword, but the bandits were long gone by then, and all he could do was stomp back to his horse. he did not make eye contact with the others as he remounted, his fair skin slightly pink in the little light available.
Already down to the last failure! Luck isn't too kind at present, but fortune may yet swing in your favor.
Since these are still skill checks, I'll allow Morthos to expend Bardic Inspiration to enhance one person's roll during this challenge. (If you want). Also, anyone who rolls a 15 or higher will not only add a success to the total, but also erase a failure.
After passing the cabin and making some distance, Thad dismounts to look closely at the track ahead of them and try to find any tracks from their quarry that might help lead the way (Survival: 17 + 2 inspiration = 19).
(OOC - that was a gamble, Survival is not my strong suit.)
Thad, after some time and his investigative skills, manages to find some tracks leading in the general direction they know the cathedral to be in. He jumps back up on his horse and turns to the others, "There seems ta be some tracks headin' that way. I'd wager that's the group we're chasin'."
As they stop with Thad looking for tracks Lilandra will go into the woods to find some herbs. She takes out her mortal and pestle from her herbalism kit and starts grinding up the berries and leaves she gathered.
Looking at Morthos and Morgan who have bruised themselves Im making a balm that will keep your wounds from infecting.
(Medicine check 10)
After she grinds the paste she uses her pinky to dip and taste the balm to make sure its right but her face frowns as she poisoned herself for 2.
Oh no, i dont know how i overlooked that. These are not the right berries i.. i was thinking about Caelia. Embarresed she goes back into the woods to find the correct berries to give to Morgan and Morthos.
Back in the danger zone. Players may now make a second round of skill checks. Reminder RazorDawn, you do have that Inspiration I awarded in case you want to roll with Advantage.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The expedition was not going well, and Morthos knew it. After traveling for a few hours, they reached a fast-flowing stream in the woods. The rapid waters make it dangerous to attempt to swim across it, and there didn’t seem to be any sort of bridge. They would have to cross it or backtrack a few miles and go around it. There was no time for that.
Morthos thought for a moment. If one person could get across and tie a rope to the other side, then the party could hold tight to it as they waded across the rapids, safe from being dragged downstream. But how could someone pass over? Morthos saw a few jagged and wet rocks that broke the flow of the stream. An agile person could leapfrog from rock to rock, hopping to the other side. He prepared his rope and readied himself for the jumps.
Acrobatics: 21
Morthos’s dexterity won the day, and he avoids slipping on the narrow stones. He made it to other side safely and tied the rope. As the party crosses, he celebrates his victory by serenading his companions with his lute.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The group continues to travel, after making the river crossing. They move into thicker trees though, and it gets harder to find the trail in the dim light. At one point the group is having trouble locating the right path to take. Seeing a taller tree than the rest, Morgan decides climbing the tree is probably their best chance to see what is around them better.
Athletics: Unable to parse dice roll.
His massive biceps easily propelling him up the tree, Morgan soon gets high enough to see the land around. he spots their destination, and is able to see which way to travel from here to get there.
After Morgan climbs the tree the group will head in the right general direction. However the forest is thick and requires the group to zig zag through to get closer to their destination.
They do however spot a small campfire and Lilandra decides to approach it. Finding a single hooded man sitting their wary of the party.
We mean you no harm, we are on the way to the Gernacht’s Cathedral. Perhaps you could help guide our path?
The man looks to Lilandra and points into the forest You will want to turn left at the split tree ahead, then down and stay close to the ridge of the hillside untill you get to the Cathedral.
As the man looks a bit dodgy Lilandra will attempt to see if the man speaks the truth: Insight check 9
Lilandra believes the man and heads in the direction she was told. Soon they find the forest closing in on them even more, bushes and trees narrowing their path as she tries to push through. She will cut herself on the vines sticking taking 8 dmg out before deciding to turn back a bit and move into a free path.
(ooc...sorry every roll fails me as always on DDB so this has been terrible. Already halfdead cause of some dumb skillcheck fails)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Seeing Lilandra is looking injured and ragged after the excursion so far. Thad moves next to her and puts a hand on her arm and says "How 'bout we stitch ya up?" as he casts Cure Wounds (4 healing). "How is everyone else feelin'?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As they continue their journey, the group comes across an old hermit living on the land for a number of years. Thad approaches him, "Apologies fer the hour o' my visit, but 'haps ya could help me companions an' I find Gernacht's Cathedral? We'd be most appreciative as our mission is sensitive ta time." (Persuasion: 9).
The old hermit strokes his beard, then nods. "Oh yes, yes. I know the place. Long time since I been there, hehe." He wanders out a little ways from his hut and points in the distance, "You'll find yer cathedral over that way. Pretty overgrown last I was there, so watch yerself."
Awesome job! As a team you have conquered your wilderness journey and made it in record time! As a reward, everyone can level up!
Now, I know only a few minutes ago I sent out PMs to you all saying I was gonna post tomorrow, but I just now had a better idea...
If you guys would like, feel free to take this time to engage in any inter-party banter while concluding your trek. The forest will be dense and dark and foreboding, well away from civilization by this point, and despite having traveled well into the next day the thick canopy above keeps much of the surroundings dark with only occasional spears of sunlight lancing through.
Continue to converse with each other as much or as little as your characters would like, and by the time I get around to my next post you will arrive at your destination.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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(OOC - I can't think of anything that Thad needs - other than healing potions, but then he doesn't have the money for that at present. So happy to move to the cathedral as soon as everyone else is ready.)
(ooc Lilandra is good to go as well, unless they can get items for cheap but i can move on. The question is do we go on foot or is it far and can we get horses from the baron? Im assuming we know where this place is)
(OOC: Morgan is ready to move on, he has nothing he needs from the keep.)
Sweeping out of the chamber, Morgan heads through the familiar keep and towards the nearest exit. He does not acknowledge the servants as he passes, though he notes their being there as he moves by them. He frowns as he reaches the courtyard outside, wishing he had not traveled here via teleportation circle, as his mount is now back in his father's villa stables. "Looks like we are walking." He informs the others as he turns towards the path they need to follow. He would glance to the others, his gray eyes probing. "anyone need something before we leave?"
For the sake of brevity we can say that since the baron knew he was sending you on this quest he also ordered some provisions to be made available and ready for immediate departure. This would include a complimentary potion of greater healing for each of you, lanterns or torches if you want them, and you do have some horses to use. (Sorry DragonDenn, you jumped the gun a little on that one). Morthos can already have his own set of thieves tools. Servants would also be on hand to procure any additional supplies you might need for a wilderness trek, so if you want any other basic adventuring gear, include it in your next post and it will have been provided to you.
Thad and Lilandra, being locals, would have heard that Gernacht’s cathedral is, as the baron said, located somewhere beyond the forest northwest of town. Exactly where or how far would be unknown to you, so to undertake this journey we’re going to have a…
SKILL CHALLENGE!
Think of it like a minigame representing a montage sequence of the excursion. Here’s how it works:
Supplementary skill challenge info:
Good luck everyone!
(It’s great to see another fan of Matt Coville!)
Morthos hated trekking through woods- he preferred the hustle and bustle of great cities instead. And he was more than wary of the type of people who choose to reside in such places. Many were highwayman and outlaws seeking sanctuary from the law, and even those who weren’t clung to strange traditions. However, it seems he had to deal with such folk today.
As he rode through the night, he spotted a light in the distance. A lantern, or campfire? Whoever lit it may provide with some more solid directions to the cathedral. Morthos dismounted and strode to the light, hoping to perhaps persuade someone to help them find a better route to their mission.
Persuasion: 14
Morthos was surprised to find a small cabin in the woods with warm light coming from a window. Perhaps his suspicions were unfounded? Maybe a friendly (and pretty) maiden will invite him in for a cup of tea, and he can take a short rest from riding. Morthos smiled and knocked on the door.
“Who the hell is that, at this hour!”
The heavy wooden door flew open and crashed in Morthos, knocking him to the ground for 10 damage. As his vision cleared, he saw a tall half-orc woman with a longbow in hand, scowling at the fallen half-elf.
“What do you want,” she said.
Morthos stuttered. “Just directions to Gernacht’s cathedral.”
The half-orc woman turned out to be much friendlier than he anticipated. She was a ranger, who lived in these woods to protect the forests and had a good idea of the routes and shortcuts through it. Morthos left with a better map and set of directions, but also a lump in his head and a bruised ego.
(As for basic adventuring gear, Morthos will pack three of each of the following: ball-bearings, caltrops, and flasks of oil. He’ll also bring some extra rations on his horse in case they get lost in the woods, maybe 15).
DMing:
Solo Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Playing:
Baral- Coliseum of Conquest, Lazarus Vernon- Tale of Mercenaries; Bernard Lionsbane- Solo Curse of Strahd
Morgan paid attention to what was around them, trusting the locals to lead them to the correct place. He wanted to make sure they all got there in one piece.
Perception: 17
As they rode out of the gates, He was towards the front, riding near those who were better knowing of the area. He had his eyes on the land to either side of the trail, and was not paying attention to the path itself. When his mount stopped suddenly, he was thrown over its head, landing in a bush ahead of them. His sudden stop in the bush sent some figures running away into the woods, their ambush broken before they could attack.
Morgan climbed from the bush, belatedly drawing his greatsword, but the bandits were long gone by then, and all he could do was stomp back to his horse. he did not make eye contact with the others as he remounted, his fair skin slightly pink in the little light available.
SKILL CHALLENGE: 0/4 SUCCESSES, 2/3 FAILURES
Already down to the last failure! Luck isn't too kind at present, but fortune may yet swing in your favor.
Since these are still skill checks, I'll allow Morthos to expend Bardic Inspiration to enhance one person's roll during this challenge. (If you want). Also, anyone who rolls a 15 or higher will not only add a success to the total, but also erase a failure.
Bardic Inspiration to the next attempt. A d6 to your roll.
DMing:
Solo Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Playing:
Baral- Coliseum of Conquest, Lazarus Vernon- Tale of Mercenaries; Bernard Lionsbane- Solo Curse of Strahd
After passing the cabin and making some distance, Thad dismounts to look closely at the track ahead of them and try to find any tracks from their quarry that might help lead the way (Survival: 17 + 2 inspiration = 19).
(OOC - that was a gamble, Survival is not my strong suit.)
Thad, after some time and his investigative skills, manages to find some tracks leading in the general direction they know the cathedral to be in. He jumps back up on his horse and turns to the others, "There seems ta be some tracks headin' that way. I'd wager that's the group we're chasin'."
Very nice!
SKILL CHALLENGE: 1/4 SUCCESSES, 1/3 FAILURES
(OOC: yay! Way to go there.)
As they stop with Thad looking for tracks Lilandra will go into the woods to find some herbs. She takes out her mortal and pestle from her herbalism kit and starts grinding up the berries and leaves she gathered.
Looking at Morthos and Morgan who have bruised themselves Im making a balm that will keep your wounds from infecting.
(Medicine check 10)
After she grinds the paste she uses her pinky to dip and taste the balm to make sure its right but her face frowns as she poisoned herself for 2.
Oh no, i dont know how i overlooked that. These are not the right berries i.. i was thinking about Caelia. Embarresed she goes back into the woods to find the correct berries to give to Morgan and Morthos.
(rolls are not our thing btw..)
SKILL CHALLENGE: 1/4 SUCCESSES, 2/3 FAILURES
Back in the danger zone. Players may now make a second round of skill checks. Reminder RazorDawn, you do have that Inspiration I awarded in case you want to roll with Advantage.
The expedition was not going well, and Morthos knew it. After traveling for a few hours, they reached a fast-flowing stream in the woods. The rapid waters make it dangerous to attempt to swim across it, and there didn’t seem to be any sort of bridge. They would have to cross it or backtrack a few miles and go around it. There was no time for that.
Morthos thought for a moment. If one person could get across and tie a rope to the other side, then the party could hold tight to it as they waded across the rapids, safe from being dragged downstream. But how could someone pass over? Morthos saw a few jagged and wet rocks that broke the flow of the stream. An agile person could leapfrog from rock to rock, hopping to the other side. He prepared his rope and readied himself for the jumps.
Acrobatics: 21
Morthos’s dexterity won the day, and he avoids slipping on the narrow stones. He made it to other side safely and tied the rope. As the party crosses, he celebrates his victory by serenading his companions with his lute.
DMing:
Solo Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Playing:
Baral- Coliseum of Conquest, Lazarus Vernon- Tale of Mercenaries; Bernard Lionsbane- Solo Curse of Strahd
The group continues to travel, after making the river crossing. They move into thicker trees though, and it gets harder to find the trail in the dim light. At one point the group is having trouble locating the right path to take. Seeing a taller tree than the rest, Morgan decides climbing the tree is probably their best chance to see what is around them better.
Athletics: Unable to parse dice roll.
His massive biceps easily propelling him up the tree, Morgan soon gets high enough to see the land around. he spots their destination, and is able to see which way to travel from here to get there.
After Morgan climbs the tree the group will head in the right general direction. However the forest is thick and requires the group to zig zag through to get closer to their destination.
They do however spot a small campfire and Lilandra decides to approach it. Finding a single hooded man sitting their wary of the party.
We mean you no harm, we are on the way to the Gernacht’s Cathedral. Perhaps you could help guide our path?
The man looks to Lilandra and points into the forest You will want to turn left at the split tree ahead, then down and stay close to the ridge of the hillside untill you get to the Cathedral.
As the man looks a bit dodgy Lilandra will attempt to see if the man speaks the truth: Insight check 9
Lilandra believes the man and heads in the direction she was told. Soon they find the forest closing in on them even more, bushes and trees narrowing their path as she tries to push through. She will cut herself on the vines sticking taking 8 dmg out before deciding to turn back a bit and move into a free path.
(ooc...sorry every roll fails me as always on DDB so this has been terrible. Already halfdead cause of some dumb skillcheck fails)
Seeing Lilandra is looking injured and ragged after the excursion so far. Thad moves next to her and puts a hand on her arm and says "How 'bout we stitch ya up?" as he casts Cure Wounds (4 healing). "How is everyone else feelin'?"
SKILL CHALLENGE: 3/4 SUCCESSES, 1/3 FAILURES
Almost there! Everyone's taken two attempts except for Thad.
As they continue their journey, the group comes across an old hermit living on the land for a number of years. Thad approaches him, "Apologies fer the hour o' my visit, but 'haps ya could help me companions an' I find Gernacht's Cathedral? We'd be most appreciative as our mission is sensitive ta time." (Persuasion: 9).
The old hermit strokes his beard, then nods. "Oh yes, yes. I know the place. Long time since I been there, hehe." He wanders out a little ways from his hut and points in the distance, "You'll find yer cathedral over that way. Pretty overgrown last I was there, so watch yerself."
SKILL CHALLENGE: 4/4 SUCCESSES, 1/3 FAILURES
Awesome job! As a team you have conquered your wilderness journey and made it in record time! As a reward, everyone can level up!
Now, I know only a few minutes ago I sent out PMs to you all saying I was gonna post tomorrow, but I just now had a better idea...
If you guys would like, feel free to take this time to engage in any inter-party banter while concluding your trek. The forest will be dense and dark and foreboding, well away from civilization by this point, and despite having traveled well into the next day the thick canopy above keeps much of the surroundings dark with only occasional spears of sunlight lancing through.
Continue to converse with each other as much or as little as your characters would like, and by the time I get around to my next post you will arrive at your destination.