M: We have a couple different choices to get there. We can cut through Neverwinter Wood which would give us some protection but also be much slower. Plus that place gives me the creeps. We could skirt along the edges which would be a little faster but leave us a little more exposed. Or we could cut across the plains entirely which would be the fastest but also leave us the most exposed. I know you don't know this area as well, but what do you think?
I say we stick close to the woods but still stay outside. That way, when we need to make camp, we can walk in a bit and be protected by the woods. Also, if we're in trouble, perhaps some of the Moon Elf sentries would help. What say you, Tae?
I say we go blasting through the middle of the field to get this over with as quickly as possible but having some coverage does sound like the best approach.
Marta agrees that is a good plan. She starts to lead the way but stops suddenly.
M: Oh, I almost forgot! Heec, I have something special for you. Something from before my time at Cragglefrock when things were a bit..well, it's from a different time in my life, I'll say that.
She awkwardly tries to reach her backpack, but between the half dozen javelins strapped to her back, the bedroll and the other equipment she has a great bit of difficulty. She finally gets her backpack off and looks embarrassed.
M: I'm a little rusty at hauling this much gear.
She pulls a pair of arm bracers from the bag. They are made of hard leather reinforced with metal plates and each has three rounded blades attached in a line that swoop back like fins.
M: You can't properly wield these with a shield or anything two handed, but I bet these will help you. These blades are useful for catching or deflecting an opponents blade. Do you want them?
She looks at Tae.
M: Sorry, I don't have anything really useful for umm...your type of thing.
Oh! Did you just say "I don't need your help?" Because what I heard was "I don't need your help. Go home and sleep like you want to." And you know what? I'd be glad to!
Hey! That's obviously not what she said! You're staying right here and you're helping us because we do need your help. You're becoming a stronger wizard every day and your assistance in this situation would be invaluable. And yes, Marta. Thank you kindly. I'm sure they will come in handy. Now both of you are going to put aside any grudge you may have for the other, personal, racial or otherwise, and we're going to move forward as a team. Okay?
M: I, uhhh, it's just magicks is not something I can do or am all that familiar with, no offense. I've heard it's rude to offer a gift to only one companion, that's all. But I figure any advantage we can get would be very useful.
She struggles to get her backpack on again. She finally manages to and starts walking.
Heec adds the Blade Catcher Bracers to his Inventory.
Blade Catcher Braces: The wearer of the bracers can use their Reactions when a creature attacks them with a melee Slashing or Piercing weapon. If the attacking creature misses the wearer by a value of 10 or more, the wearer can use their Reaction to disarm the opponent. The opponents blade will land at their feet. If the attacking creature successfully hits the target by a value of 10 or more, the wearer can use a Reaction to reduce the damage by 1d4+Dex Modifier+Monk Level. Because of the finesse required for a such a move, the bracers can't be used in this way if the wearer is wielding a shield or a two-handed weapon.
Don't worry, Marta. Tae is extra sensitive to those that think less of him because he's Drow. I'm sure he just misunderstood and thought you were referring to his race. I do believe an apology is in order...
I happily accept your apology.
Not from her...
... I'm sorry we misunderstood each other. Let's keep moving. I'm tired of being treated like an elfling...
The intrepid heroes begin their journey. Marta estimates it will take four days to reach the furthest mountain by foot. At the end of the first day of walking she stops and asks the elves how they want to make camp. They are currently on a grassy plain with the Neverwinter Wood directly to the East. The trees start out pretty sparse but start to grow closer about 200 feet in.
Lets head in about 300 feet. That way, we may give off a bit of a glow with the fire but we should be well protected by these woods. Tae and I are quite used to overnight adventuring and since we can see in the dark, I'll take the first watch and Tae will take the second shift. Feel free to rest all night if you'd like.
M: I can take a shift if you need as I also am able to see in the dark. I only need about four hours of sleep to feel rested, so we don't have to rest all night. However, the colder temperatures at night might be an issue.
I wasn't aware half-orcs also had Darkvision and were able to rest quickly. Perhaps we're not so different after all...
We should build a fire! Not a raging one. Just one to keep us warm throughout the night. It probably wouldn't hurt to overlap a bit. Tae, you rest first. Two hours in, Marta, you take a rest. After 4 hours, Tae wakes up and I'll rest. After 6 hours, Marta can join Tae for the rest of the watch. Sound like a plan?
Marta agrees. The group makes camp for the night, taking shifts through the night. The group gets a full nights rest and the next morning they pack up their camp and continue on. The next two nights and days are uneventful.
On the morning of the fourth day of travelling Marta lets them know they are getting close to the Crags. Since the Neverwinter Wood doesn't reach as far west as the Crags do, they will either need to travel north to the Crags and then hug the side of the mountain as they travel west, or cut across the plains now away from the woods and travel directly northwest to the furthest Crag.
I don't see much cover from that mountain, but I also don't like the thought of being completely exposed in the field. Any benefits to traveling along the mountain?
We could be putting ourselves in more danger if there are enemies within the mountain that ambush us. We may as well travel in the open field where we can see an assault coming.
The three companions cut across the plains towards their destination. After a half day's travel of the mountains growing steadily taller, Marta stops again.
M: There are only a few hours left before we reach the base of the mountain. It is a little past midday and the final leg of the journey will put us there not long before sun will start to go down. What do you think we should do?
It is currently 1:00 PM on the 10th day of Eleint (September)
The three companions continue their travel. The Crags are now very tall, obscuring a good portion of the sky to the North. The grass on the plains is becoming sparser and tougher and the ground more rocky. A couple of hours later Marta stops them and motions for them to crouch down in the tall grasses. Up ahead a few hundred feet is a small collection of goblins scattered around the field. At this distance they are a bit difficult to make out, but they seem to be moving in erratic patterns, stopping here and there to work on something.
M: It's hard to tell for certain, but I think these are Gatherers. They are the providers for the goblin camp. I doubt they are armed heavily, if at all, and there is always the chance they will run away if they see us.
There are six goblins in the immediate vicinity collecting food. All of them drop what they have gathered and immediately start running. One of them trips over a stone half buried in the hard ground and falls into a ball. The goblin covers his head and keeps repeating something in goblin.
You two run ahead. I'll catch up as soon as I can.
You have to be kidding me! Leave this one be and lets keep moving!
I assure you I won't be far behind! Go!
Heec falls back to the frightened goblin while Tae and Marta continue after the gatherers.
Heec stops short next to the goblin, gently strokes it's head and says Shhhh shhh shhhhhhhh. We mean you no harm. Take this food and rest. We'll see you back at the camp. knowing full well the goblin probably does not understand him. Heec gives the Goblin a meal's worth of rations then sets off to catch back up with Tae and Marta.
The goblin looks like he understands what Heec says in the Common tongue, but looks very confused and even more frightened.
The rest of the goblins look back at the group pursuing them and keep running as fast as they can.
After some time running (uphill, mostly as the elevation begins to climb) the three adventurers see the goblins come up to a side of the Crags. There is a switchback leading up to an outcropping where smoke from a fire is rising. The goblin Gatherers run up the switchback as quickly as possible, almost collapsing from exhaustion, shouting in the goblin tongue. From two hundred feet away, the adventurers see some goblin heads peek over the outcropping with bows drawn.
She replies,
M: We have a couple different choices to get there. We can cut through Neverwinter Wood which would give us some protection but also be much slower. Plus that place gives me the creeps. We could skirt along the edges which would be a little faster but leave us a little more exposed. Or we could cut across the plains entirely which would be the fastest but also leave us the most exposed. I know you don't know this area as well, but what do you think?
I say we stick close to the woods but still stay outside. That way, when we need to make camp, we can walk in a bit and be protected by the woods. Also, if we're in trouble, perhaps some of the Moon Elf sentries would help. What say you, Tae?
I say we go blasting through the middle of the field to get this over with as quickly as possible but having some coverage does sound like the best approach.
Agreeing with me, eh?
I promise not to make it a habit.
Let us skirt along the edge!
Marta agrees that is a good plan. She starts to lead the way but stops suddenly.
M: Oh, I almost forgot! Heec, I have something special for you. Something from before my time at Cragglefrock when things were a bit..well, it's from a different time in my life, I'll say that.
She awkwardly tries to reach her backpack, but between the half dozen javelins strapped to her back, the bedroll and the other equipment she has a great bit of difficulty. She finally gets her backpack off and looks embarrassed.
M: I'm a little rusty at hauling this much gear.
She pulls a pair of arm bracers from the bag. They are made of hard leather reinforced with metal plates and each has three rounded blades attached in a line that swoop back like fins.
M: You can't properly wield these with a shield or anything two handed, but I bet these will help you. These blades are useful for catching or deflecting an opponents blade. Do you want them?
She looks at Tae.
M: Sorry, I don't have anything really useful for umm...your type of thing.
Oh! Did you just say "I don't need your help?" Because what I heard was "I don't need your help. Go home and sleep like you want to." And you know what? I'd be glad to!
Hey! That's obviously not what she said! You're staying right here and you're helping us because we do need your help. You're becoming a stronger wizard every day and your assistance in this situation would be invaluable. And yes, Marta. Thank you kindly. I'm sure they will come in handy. Now both of you are going to put aside any grudge you may have for the other, personal, racial or otherwise, and we're going to move forward as a team. Okay?
Just stay out of my way...
Marta looks even more embarrassed.
M: I, uhhh, it's just magicks is not something I can do or am all that familiar with, no offense. I've heard it's rude to offer a gift to only one companion, that's all. But I figure any advantage we can get would be very useful.
She struggles to get her backpack on again. She finally manages to and starts walking.
Heec adds the Blade Catcher Bracers to his Inventory.
Blade Catcher Braces: The wearer of the bracers can use their Reactions when a creature attacks them with a melee Slashing or Piercing weapon. If the attacking creature misses the wearer by a value of 10 or more, the wearer can use their Reaction to disarm the opponent. The opponents blade will land at their feet. If the attacking creature successfully hits the target by a value of 10 or more, the wearer can use a Reaction to reduce the damage by 1d4+Dex Modifier+Monk Level. Because of the finesse required for a such a move, the bracers can't be used in this way if the wearer is wielding a shield or a two-handed weapon.
Don't worry, Marta. Tae is extra sensitive to those that think less of him because he's Drow. I'm sure he just misunderstood and thought you were referring to his race. I do believe an apology is in order...
I happily accept your apology.
Not from her...
... I'm sorry we misunderstood each other. Let's keep moving. I'm tired of being treated like an elfling...
Marta grunts uncomfortably.
The intrepid heroes begin their journey. Marta estimates it will take four days to reach the furthest mountain by foot. At the end of the first day of walking she stops and asks the elves how they want to make camp. They are currently on a grassy plain with the Neverwinter Wood directly to the East. The trees start out pretty sparse but start to grow closer about 200 feet in.
Lets head in about 300 feet. That way, we may give off a bit of a glow with the fire but we should be well protected by these woods. Tae and I are quite used to overnight adventuring and since we can see in the dark, I'll take the first watch and Tae will take the second shift. Feel free to rest all night if you'd like.
M: I can take a shift if you need as I also am able to see in the dark. I only need about four hours of sleep to feel rested, so we don't have to rest all night. However, the colder temperatures at night might be an issue.
I wasn't aware half-orcs also had Darkvision and were able to rest quickly. Perhaps we're not so different after all...
We should build a fire! Not a raging one. Just one to keep us warm throughout the night. It probably wouldn't hurt to overlap a bit. Tae, you rest first. Two hours in, Marta, you take a rest. After 4 hours, Tae wakes up and I'll rest. After 6 hours, Marta can join Tae for the rest of the watch. Sound like a plan?
Sounds oddly specific, but sure.
Marta?
Marta agrees. The group makes camp for the night, taking shifts through the night. The group gets a full nights rest and the next morning they pack up their camp and continue on. The next two nights and days are uneventful.
On the morning of the fourth day of travelling Marta lets them know they are getting close to the Crags. Since the Neverwinter Wood doesn't reach as far west as the Crags do, they will either need to travel north to the Crags and then hug the side of the mountain as they travel west, or cut across the plains now away from the woods and travel directly northwest to the furthest Crag.
I don't see much cover from that mountain, but I also don't like the thought of being completely exposed in the field. Any benefits to traveling along the mountain?
We could be putting ourselves in more danger if there are enemies within the mountain that ambush us. We may as well travel in the open field where we can see an assault coming.
I concur. Marta, let's travel across the field.
The three companions cut across the plains towards their destination. After a half day's travel of the mountains growing steadily taller, Marta stops again.
M: There are only a few hours left before we reach the base of the mountain. It is a little past midday and the final leg of the journey will put us there not long before sun will start to go down. What do you think we should do?
It is currently 1:00 PM on the 10th day of Eleint (September)
We should be fine. Onward!
The three companions continue their travel. The Crags are now very tall, obscuring a good portion of the sky to the North. The grass on the plains is becoming sparser and tougher and the ground more rocky. A couple of hours later Marta stops them and motions for them to crouch down in the tall grasses. Up ahead a few hundred feet is a small collection of goblins scattered around the field. At this distance they are a bit difficult to make out, but they seem to be moving in erratic patterns, stopping here and there to work on something.
M: It's hard to tell for certain, but I think these are Gatherers. They are the providers for the goblin camp. I doubt they are armed heavily, if at all, and there is always the chance they will run away if they see us.
Do we greet them and see if they'll talk and continue to travel to the first crag or do we approach them and follow them when or if they run?
Fate?
Fate.
Tae holds the green feather in one hand and flips the silver coin in the other. Tails. They will pursue closely.
Ready when you are.
After you. You're the more approachable one after all.
The three jog towards the goblins.
Greetings, friends! How do you all do!?
There are six goblins in the immediate vicinity collecting food. All of them drop what they have gathered and immediately start running. One of them trips over a stone half buried in the hard ground and falls into a ball. The goblin covers his head and keeps repeating something in goblin.
You two run ahead. I'll catch up as soon as I can.
You have to be kidding me! Leave this one be and lets keep moving!
I assure you I won't be far behind! Go!
Heec falls back to the frightened goblin while Tae and Marta continue after the gatherers.
Heec stops short next to the goblin, gently strokes it's head and says Shhhh shhh shhhhhhhh. We mean you no harm. Take this food and rest. We'll see you back at the camp. knowing full well the goblin probably does not understand him. Heec gives the Goblin a meal's worth of rations then sets off to catch back up with Tae and Marta.
The goblin looks like he understands what Heec says in the Common tongue, but looks very confused and even more frightened.
The rest of the goblins look back at the group pursuing them and keep running as fast as they can.
After some time running (uphill, mostly as the elevation begins to climb) the three adventurers see the goblins come up to a side of the Crags. There is a switchback leading up to an outcropping where smoke from a fire is rising. The goblin Gatherers run up the switchback as quickly as possible, almost collapsing from exhaustion, shouting in the goblin tongue. From two hundred feet away, the adventurers see some goblin heads peek over the outcropping with bows drawn.
Heec shouts in a booming voice We mean no harm to you! We wish only to talk! Do you have anyone that speaks Common tongue so we may discuss things?
There is absolutely nothing good about this.
We'll be fine. Just follow my lead...