The three travelers move up the mountain. The initial pace is slow as the group climbs up the mountain. After gaining some altitude they start heading east. The sky is blue and even in the mountains there are signs of life.
Morning passes and the sun passes its zenith. As they are picking their way across the mountain Heec suddenly notices a large, smooth, puck shaped rock balancing on its edge about 40 feet away. Then the rock starts quickly rolling towards the group. It easily gains about 10 feet. Heec sees two more following closely after that... Neither Tae nor Marta seem to notice these peculiar rocks.
Heec has time to take one quick action before the rocks gain too much more ground.
One of the rolling rocks stops 30 feet away from Heec and unfurls into a large insectoid creature standing about 3 feet tall. The creature's back is covered in overlapping plates of grey carapace. The bug rears back and spits a stream of greenish-black liquid at Heec. (1d20+2 = 8)
The other two rolling bugs unfurl and attack with sharp, slicing appendages. The three adventurers take some damage but kill one of the bugs and force the other two to retreat. Tae chases after them firing Rays of Frost and eventually manages to kill them both.
I refuse to let those that wish us dead to leave and let others know of our presence. This is a scouting mission. If they enemy knows we're here, we may as well point them in the direction of Cragglefrock and let them level it to the ground.
And what if they were scouts that aren't returning back to their colony?
Dead scouts say much less than living ones.
That's a valid point... Let's move on.
The three continue to assess the troop situation on the plateaus.
The party continues their mountainous journey across the rough terrain, which forces them to move slowly to avoid potential pitfalls. As the three are journeying, they see and hear a large amount of local wildlife.
As dusk begins to set in, Marta uses her Survival skills to locate a good place to make camp. She suggests that building a fire would help keep animals away and would be difficult to spot, even if humanoids were close.
As they eat around the fire before bedtime, Marta seems a little more talkative than usual. She expresses her appreciation to them for helping her and the village. She asks them about their lives before coming to Cragglefrock.
Do you think she wants the whole story or the "mountains edge" account?
I hope you tell the "mountains edge" account but I know you...
You certainly do, Taeormm Moruimi! Born on what was called the largest full moon in 20,000 years, I was known by all my friends and family as "Heec" from the beginning. I grew up in a happy home though I wasn't much for staying within the confines of our dwelling. I was often around woods playing with other Elvish children. Even in the beginning, I tried to be a positive force in the world. I stood up for others that were tormented and did my best to pacify heated situations. I made many friends and acquaintances throughout my life but my only lasting friendship has been with Tae. Most questioned my desires to study as a Monk as most Elves of Neverwinter become Rangers but I cared not for their inquiries. Tae, would you like me to share your origins or would you like to share them yourself?
By all means...
Tae's story has a bit more tribulation than mine did. He was left orphaned after the skirmish between the Silvanesti of Dragonlace and the Drow in he Underdark. The former attempted to put an end to Lolth, the spider goddess, but the campaign proved futile. Though the losses sustained by their race were few, it was substantial enough for Young Tae. He was rejected by his race and cast out of the Underdark. The world was not kind to him, as Drows are often mistreated, but was still able to locate a soul kind enough in each village to help him along. Some of those kind strangers manage to pop back into his life from time to time, apparently. Isn't that right, Tae?
...
Anyway, not long after the Festival of Remembering, a few younger Moon elves and myself came across a towering Sun elf pummeling a Drow east of the Star Mounts.
"Pummeling" isn't the word I'd use.
Yes, but you didn't want to tell the story so it's the word I'm using. My fellow elves made haste but I could not let the onslaught continue. He and I exchanged blow after blow until Tae was able to come to stand on his own and hit Birel with some dark magic. What was that spell again? "Sad Touch"?
Poison Ray? Don't bother mentioning that I used that spell to route him after he's nearly knocked you unconscious.
Ah yes! Quite right! I was distracted by you finally deciding to fight back! Since that battle, we both knew we had found another soul in this world that we could trust and travel with without too much irritation.
Speak for yourself on that one...
We've hunted and adventured together though are perfectly content with our independence as well. I initially studied to be a Ranger while Tae studied Wizardry. But around 300 years ago, I realized that I couldn't deny my path to become a Monk. Tae was the only one that didn't criticize my decision. He's my brother. Not in blood but in bond. I'd say we've done pretty well for ourselves. What do you think, Tae?
I'd say that about covers it.
What about you? What was your life like before settling down in Cragglefrock?
I grew up in the city of Marsember, far to the east on The Dragonmere lake. My family was a large clan who resided in a poor district of town. Many of us worked as laborers on the docks and although life was far from easy, I do remember my childhood as being happy. My family were mostly on the right side of the law and the guards seldom bothered our section of town, as my family had considerable influence and power over the residents of our district.
Everything changed when a new captain of the guard took over. They took particular interest in my family and would often harass, arrest and intimidate us. Finally, one day they killed a young half orc, a distant relative of mine, claiming it was in self defense. My clan gave into a deep kind of hatred that you can’t return from. There were bloody riots in the town and I saw many of my relatives who I loved and respected become something I couldn’t recognize.
My mother and I managed to get out of town and we traveled east. We lived off the land for about a decade before she died. I feel like her heart was broken the day we left our home and it never fully healed. It saddens me that I had to bury her in the countryside, so far from the city she loved. I went my own way for a while. I traveled and kept away from towns and villages as much as I could. I found myself starving one winter and finally risked stopping at the village of Cragglefrock to get some food. Even though I had very little and was definitely an outsider, the people of the village never treated me as anything less than an equal. I decided to stay here, especially when I met a beautiful half orc, my Ysveldii.
When I was growing up I always had a fascination with laws and the order they brought. It was more than just the laws of the government, though, it was the power of my family who could bring their own sense of order that the residents of our district respected and followed. I guess it was this upbringing that somehow landed me as the warden and protector of this place. And even though I have only been here for a handful of years, it sometimes feels like more of a home than Marsember.
You are a just soul, Marta. I know your head is in the right place and you'll do what is right. I trust you with my life.
I think it's time for rest. If it's all the same, I think I'll be resting first.
Perhaps, one day, you'll let your guard down enough to acknowledge someone's journey and perhaps see the parallels to your own life.
My life has been despair followed by insult followed by grief followed by unsatisfied acceptance. Our lives are not parallel.
I agree that they're not completely parallel but you both have seen your fair share of pain and heartache.
The light is much brighter in her world than it is in mine. I'd take more time with my family and holding the one I love close to me over what I must face day in, day out anytime.
Perhaps you need to do something about that? Nothing can change what has happened to your family but you can make other changes to your life if you wish.
I wish to no longer speak of it. I'm going to bed.
Tae turns his back to the group and rests.
Life has never been what I would consider "easy" for Tae so please forgive his grievances.
With everyone healed up to full health the group continues the journey.
By mid-morning, the group comes to a large rock face rising before them. The rock face is over 50 feet tall and seems to be impossible to get around without backtracking several hours and trying to find a way around. The rock wall has a steady slope upwards and seems climbable with some effort and risk.
The two elves convince Marta to attempt the climb first due to her athleticism. She doffs her armor and drops all of her equipment.
You will have to figure out some way to help me get this up to the top. I'll lower a rope once I get to the top and maybe you can rig some sort of way to lift the equipment without wasting too much time. I will need some more if you have it. I only have 50 feet. And if you happened to pack any climbing gear that would be helpful too.
Heec directs Marta to climb the wall. After prepping her with gear she attempts to climb up but keeps falling. The group has a discussion about pitons and what the hell they are actually used for and Heec comes up with a cunning plan. He has Marta hammer in a piton every four feet up, tie the rope around around the piton to secure it, hammer a piton about four feet above that, secure the rope to the higher piton, remove the lower piton, untie the rope from that one and continue this until she reaches the top in order to ensure maximum safety.
This onerous task takes a few hours to accomplish and Marta nearly suffers a level of exhaustion due to the slow, grinding progress. Marta does finally reach the top and secures the rope before collapsing. Tae and Heec then use the rope secured by Marta to lift the gear up and climb up themselves.
It is early afternoon before the group can continue. Luckily, Marta's superior Constitution helps her recover from the worst effects of the climb and she is able to continue without any ill effects.. The three repack their gear and continue on the way.
The rest of the day proves to be much more uneventful and the group makes their standard progress until night time. Marta helps set up camp and this time asks Tae and Heec why they are helping her with these dangerous missions.
Thank you, Tae. I like to consider myself a just man. Anything I do, I do it for the betterment of the community, my friends, my family or myself. We need to scout out this situation so we know how to deal with forces that may strike our village.
And I'm here because I'm dragged into every confrontation this elf gets himself into whether I like it or not. I have no say in the matter. He just says "Let's go!" and all I can do is sigh disapprovingly and make sure he doesn't lose an arm.
You don't always need to come.
You're right. I could hang back like I did against the Duroon Clan and you said you almost lost the pretty half of your face to them.
I said they almost took half of my pretty face. It's all pretty, not just half.
We'll have to agree to disagree on that one. Either way, you've dragged me in to more conflicts than I wish but, here I am, same as ever, here to make sure you don't lose half or all of that "pretty" face.
And for that, I am thankful. We should rest before the morning. I worry we could have trouble ahead of us.
Marta agrees and the group makes camp for the night.
In the dark, early hours of the morning Tae is taking watch. The night has been filled with sounds of wildlife. Seemingly more than what would be usual for a mountain. The yipping howls of coyotes, hooting of owls and rustling of small animals means each minute has been filled with noise and signs of life.
Around 4:00 AM in the morning Tae hears a high-pitched cry from an animal in pain followed by more squealing cries. The sound seems eerily close but it is difficult for Tae to ascertain how close and the exact location other than somewhere to the east.
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We'll move at an average pace. We don't want to tire ourselves out if danger arises.
The three travelers move up the mountain. The initial pace is slow as the group climbs up the mountain. After gaining some altitude they start heading east. The sky is blue and even in the mountains there are signs of life.
Morning passes and the sun passes its zenith. As they are picking their way across the mountain Heec suddenly notices a large, smooth, puck shaped rock balancing on its edge about 40 feet away. Then the rock starts quickly rolling towards the group. It easily gains about 10 feet. Heec sees two more following closely after that... Neither Tae nor Marta seem to notice these peculiar rocks.
Heec has time to take one quick action before the rocks gain too much more ground.
Heec notices the suspicious behavior, puts up an arm to halt the party and calls out Stop! Who goes there!?
One of the rolling rocks stops 30 feet away from Heec and unfurls into a large insectoid creature standing about 3 feet tall. The creature's back is covered in overlapping plates of grey carapace. The bug rears back and spits a stream of greenish-black liquid at Heec. (1d20+2 = 8)
The other two keep rolling towards the group.
The other two rolling bugs unfurl and attack with sharp, slicing appendages. The three adventurers take some damage but kill one of the bugs and force the other two to retreat. Tae chases after them firing Rays of Frost and eventually manages to kill them both.
XP Gained: 150
I refuse to let those that wish us dead to leave and let others know of our presence. This is a scouting mission. If they enemy knows we're here, we may as well point them in the direction of Cragglefrock and let them level it to the ground.
And what if they were scouts that aren't returning back to their colony?
Dead scouts say much less than living ones.
That's a valid point... Let's move on.
The three continue to assess the troop situation on the plateaus.
The party continues their mountainous journey across the rough terrain, which forces them to move slowly to avoid potential pitfalls. As the three are journeying, they see and hear a large amount of local wildlife.
As dusk begins to set in, Marta uses her Survival skills to locate a good place to make camp. She suggests that building a fire would help keep animals away and would be difficult to spot, even if humanoids were close.
As they eat around the fire before bedtime, Marta seems a little more talkative than usual. She expresses her appreciation to them for helping her and the village. She asks them about their lives before coming to Cragglefrock.
Do you think she wants the whole story or the "mountains edge" account?
I hope you tell the "mountains edge" account but I know you...
You certainly do, Taeormm Moruimi! Born on what was called the largest full moon in 20,000 years, I was known by all my friends and family as "Heec" from the beginning. I grew up in a happy home though I wasn't much for staying within the confines of our dwelling. I was often around woods playing with other Elvish children. Even in the beginning, I tried to be a positive force in the world. I stood up for others that were tormented and did my best to pacify heated situations. I made many friends and acquaintances throughout my life but my only lasting friendship has been with Tae. Most questioned my desires to study as a Monk as most Elves of Neverwinter become Rangers but I cared not for their inquiries. Tae, would you like me to share your origins or would you like to share them yourself?
By all means...
Tae's story has a bit more tribulation than mine did. He was left orphaned after the skirmish between the Silvanesti of Dragonlace and the Drow in he Underdark. The former attempted to put an end to Lolth, the spider goddess, but the campaign proved futile. Though the losses sustained by their race were few, it was substantial enough for Young Tae. He was rejected by his race and cast out of the Underdark. The world was not kind to him, as Drows are often mistreated, but was still able to locate a soul kind enough in each village to help him along. Some of those kind strangers manage to pop back into his life from time to time, apparently. Isn't that right, Tae?
...
Anyway, not long after the Festival of Remembering, a few younger Moon elves and myself came across a towering Sun elf pummeling a Drow east of the Star Mounts.
"Pummeling" isn't the word I'd use.
Yes, but you didn't want to tell the story so it's the word I'm using. My fellow elves made haste but I could not let the onslaught continue. He and I exchanged blow after blow until Tae was able to come to stand on his own and hit Birel with some dark magic. What was that spell again? "Sad Touch"?
Poison Ray? Don't bother mentioning that I used that spell to route him after he's nearly knocked you unconscious.
Ah yes! Quite right! I was distracted by you finally deciding to fight back! Since that battle, we both knew we had found another soul in this world that we could trust and travel with without too much irritation.
Speak for yourself on that one...
We've hunted and adventured together though are perfectly content with our independence as well. I initially studied to be a Ranger while Tae studied Wizardry. But around 300 years ago, I realized that I couldn't deny my path to become a Monk. Tae was the only one that didn't criticize my decision. He's my brother. Not in blood but in bond. I'd say we've done pretty well for ourselves. What do you think, Tae?
I'd say that about covers it.
What about you? What was your life like before settling down in Cragglefrock?
Marta shifts uncomfortably.
I grew up in the city of Marsember, far to the east on The Dragonmere lake. My family was a large clan who resided in a poor district of town. Many of us worked as laborers on the docks and although life was far from easy, I do remember my childhood as being happy. My family were mostly on the right side of the law and the guards seldom bothered our section of town, as my family had considerable influence and power over the residents of our district.
Everything changed when a new captain of the guard took over. They took particular interest in my family and would often harass, arrest and intimidate us. Finally, one day they killed a young half orc, a distant relative of mine, claiming it was in self defense. My clan gave into a deep kind of hatred that you can’t return from. There were bloody riots in the town and I saw many of my relatives who I loved and respected become something I couldn’t recognize.
My mother and I managed to get out of town and we traveled east. We lived off the land for about a decade before she died. I feel like her heart was broken the day we left our home and it never fully healed. It saddens me that I had to bury her in the countryside, so far from the city she loved. I went my own way for a while. I traveled and kept away from towns and villages as much as I could. I found myself starving one winter and finally risked stopping at the village of Cragglefrock to get some food. Even though I had very little and was definitely an outsider, the people of the village never treated me as anything less than an equal. I decided to stay here, especially when I met a beautiful half orc, my Ysveldii.
When I was growing up I always had a fascination with laws and the order they brought. It was more than just the laws of the government, though, it was the power of my family who could bring their own sense of order that the residents of our district respected and followed. I guess it was this upbringing that somehow landed me as the warden and protector of this place. And even though I have only been here for a handful of years, it sometimes feels like more of a home than Marsember.
She trails off and goes quiet.
You are a just soul, Marta. I know your head is in the right place and you'll do what is right. I trust you with my life.
I think it's time for rest. If it's all the same, I think I'll be resting first.
Perhaps, one day, you'll let your guard down enough to acknowledge someone's journey and perhaps see the parallels to your own life.
My life has been despair followed by insult followed by grief followed by unsatisfied acceptance. Our lives are not parallel.
I agree that they're not completely parallel but you both have seen your fair share of pain and heartache.
The light is much brighter in her world than it is in mine. I'd take more time with my family and holding the one I love close to me over what I must face day in, day out anytime.
Perhaps you need to do something about that? Nothing can change what has happened to your family but you can make other changes to your life if you wish.
I wish to no longer speak of it. I'm going to bed.
Tae turns his back to the group and rests.
Life has never been what I would consider "easy" for Tae so please forgive his grievances.
We all live the life we were given. You have to be careful to not let your anger overtake you because of it.
The group rests until morning.
All characters gain the benefits of a Long Rest and regain 1d4 + Con Modifier x 8 of HP
Heec heals for 16. Tae heals for 24.
They continue their jouney.
With everyone healed up to full health the group continues the journey.
By mid-morning, the group comes to a large rock face rising before them. The rock face is over 50 feet tall and seems to be impossible to get around without backtracking several hours and trying to find a way around. The rock wall has a steady slope upwards and seems climbable with some effort and risk.
This looks a bit treacherous...
I don't want to waste all day walking around. Lets just go.
I agree. We need to find this next encampment. Lets move.
The party attempts to scale the slope.
The two elves convince Marta to attempt the climb first due to her athleticism. She doffs her armor and drops all of her equipment.
You will have to figure out some way to help me get this up to the top. I'll lower a rope once I get to the top and maybe you can rig some sort of way to lift the equipment without wasting too much time. I will need some more if you have it. I only have 50 feet. And if you happened to pack any climbing gear that would be helpful too.
Marta starts tying the rope around her waist.
Before you go, take these pitons and my rope. That should help your ascent.
Heec gives Marta 10x Pitons and 50 ft of rope.
Do you have a hammer I can borrow?
Heec directs Marta to climb the wall. After prepping her with gear she attempts to climb up but keeps falling. The group has a discussion about pitons and what the hell they are actually used for and Heec comes up with a cunning plan. He has Marta hammer in a piton every four feet up, tie the rope around around the piton to secure it, hammer a piton about four feet above that, secure the rope to the higher piton, remove the lower piton, untie the rope from that one and continue this until she reaches the top in order to ensure maximum safety.
This onerous task takes a few hours to accomplish and Marta nearly suffers a level of exhaustion due to the slow, grinding progress. Marta does finally reach the top and secures the rope before collapsing. Tae and Heec then use the rope secured by Marta to lift the gear up and climb up themselves.
It is early afternoon before the group can continue. Luckily, Marta's superior Constitution helps her recover from the worst effects of the climb and she is able to continue without any ill effects.. The three repack their gear and continue on the way.
The rest of the day proves to be much more uneventful and the group makes their standard progress until night time. Marta helps set up camp and this time asks Tae and Heec why they are helping her with these dangerous missions.
The two look at each other.
Do you not know him?/Do you not know me?
Go ahead.
Thank you, Tae. I like to consider myself a just man. Anything I do, I do it for the betterment of the community, my friends, my family or myself. We need to scout out this situation so we know how to deal with forces that may strike our village.
And I'm here because I'm dragged into every confrontation this elf gets himself into whether I like it or not. I have no say in the matter. He just says "Let's go!" and all I can do is sigh disapprovingly and make sure he doesn't lose an arm.
You don't always need to come.
You're right. I could hang back like I did against the Duroon Clan and you said you almost lost the pretty half of your face to them.
I said they almost took half of my pretty face. It's all pretty, not just half.
We'll have to agree to disagree on that one. Either way, you've dragged me in to more conflicts than I wish but, here I am, same as ever, here to make sure you don't lose half or all of that "pretty" face.
And for that, I am thankful. We should rest before the morning. I worry we could have trouble ahead of us.
Marta agrees and the group makes camp for the night.
In the dark, early hours of the morning Tae is taking watch. The night has been filled with sounds of wildlife. Seemingly more than what would be usual for a mountain. The yipping howls of coyotes, hooting of owls and rustling of small animals means each minute has been filled with noise and signs of life.
Around 4:00 AM in the morning Tae hears a high-pitched cry from an animal in pain followed by more squealing cries. The sound seems eerily close but it is difficult for Tae to ascertain how close and the exact location other than somewhere to the east.