In the city of Neverwinter, a dwarf named Gundren Rockseeker asked you to bring a wagonload of provisions to the rough-and-tumble settlement of Phandalin, a couple of days’ travel southeast of the city. Gundren was clearly excited and more than a little secretive about his reasons for the trip, saying only that he and his brothers had found “something big,” and that he’d pay you ten gold pieces each for escorting his supplies safely to Barthen’s Provisions, a trading post in Phandalin. He then set out ahead of you on horse, along with a warrior escort named Sildar Hallwinter, claiming he needed to arrive early to “take care of business.”
You’ve spent the last few days following the High Road south from Neverwinter, and you’ve just recently veered east along the Triboar Trail. You’ve encountered no trouble so far, but this territory can be dangerous. Bandits and outlaws have been known to lurk along the trail.
Sharing the reins at the front of the wagon, a human woman and a young elven woman sit side-by-side, while a black-bearded dwarf sits in the back of the wagon. Also seen on the trail are a young halfling scouting ahead, and a moon elf walking alongside the wagon, while a half-orc clad in chain mail walks behind.
Describe your characters and feel free to roleplay among yourselves as I set up the beginning of the campaign.
With his stubby legs hanging over the back of the wagon, Thror hums an old dwarven travelling tune as he absentmindedly whittles away at a piece of wood. Gundren ye old coot of a Rockeater, why did ye have te rope me in te this silly endeavour of yours?He sighs inwardly as he periodically turns his head from side to side, scanning the forests through which they are passing. "Lia lass, how much further do you reckon we be travelling today?"the dwarf calls out a question to the two seated in front.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active Characters Tink - Elf ArtificerNicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter Thurkear - Lizardfolk WarlockBjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Lia loved how some dwarves said her name: 'Lia lass'.... When they said it like that, it sounded particularly Elven, but somehow distinctly Dwarven at the same time. 'Lia Lass'... it made her smile.
She leans forward a little; sniffs the air, and sniffs the oxen... ... “The oxen have a fair while left in them, I'd say, Master Thror, 'A wee while in them yet!'", she says, finishing with a terrible approximation of her dwarven friend's accent. Her words were a playful mixture: both kind and formal, but not without some teasing. This summed Lia up, for the short time the party has known her.
Then she remarks, 'What was that tune? I've heard Gundren hum that one before...'. She passes Arame the reigns for a second and takes out a small wooden flute. She plays a few long, slow notes, that begin by matching Thror's tune, but then change into more of an accompaniment. Her tune seems to pick up elements of her surroundings too: it rises and falls with the wind, and is accentuated by birdsong or the snapping of a twig.... She plays a woodland version of Thror's mountain tune, and nods at Thror encouragingly in case he wanted to join in and while away the time together.
Description:-
Lia is a young wood elf. By human standards she looks perhaps late teens, but she's approaching her first century. She’s fairly small and slight, but quick and graceful. She wears amber-coloured clothes, the colour of trumpet-mushrooms or autumn leaves. The fabric is light and floaty. It wraps tightly around her body in places, and billows and flaps in the breeze in others. The cloth is tied with a dark sash around her waist, and ankle- and wrist-wraps of a more muted shade. She has a beautiful elven shortbow and a slender quarterstaff at her side.
Lia shuffles around on the bench when she hears Thror joining in, managing to turn to face backwards while still playing: kneeling in her seat and resting her elbows on the gear in the back as she plays... enjoying the nostalgia of the tune.
In some places she plays quietly, to let Thror's course, marching rhythm stand out. And in other places she almost smothers his tune with extra trills and embellishments. Like a playful woodland breeze whistling through a mountain pass.
When they finish the tune, Lia laughs out loud, 'Ha!.. I've never actually heard the words before!! That's brilliant!...". She settles back into her seat, still chuckling. And maybe she plays a quieter, more peaceful melody. Just something for a bit of subtle background cheer...
A little ahead of the wagon Cade glances back as he hears the music and singing. A slight smile curls up his lips as his hand slips up to the chunk of wood tied to a cord around his neck. He is a pale halfling with sandy-brown hair and wearing leather armor. A scimitar rests at his hip, and he wears a pack on his back. A wooden shield is attached to the pack.
Turning his attention back to the road ahead, he continues on ahead of the wagon, looking for any dangers.
Beside the wagon, Lorahzt quietly tramps along with her maroon eyes narrowed in something that could be mistaken for a glare. Traveling on the surface was, for the most part, a much safer proposition than anything she's experienced down below, but all the same she can only wonder, Why must surface dwellers do everything by light of day? She already knows the answer of course, but it does little to stop the bright sun above from shining down upon her.
Her pointed ears perk up and her gaze flits over to her traveling companions as they begin to talk among themselves, then have an impromptu performance in the back of the wagon. The music is... different than she is used to, but it isn't bad. Nor is the company, for that matter. Shrugging her shoulders to readjust the longbow and shield competing for space on her back, Lorahzt quietly tramps along.
In the conversations on the road leading up to this moment, it is evident that Ologu is cultured and polite but of few words. Physically. he is a specimen of subdued strength. He is broad and tall, probably 6' 3" or 4" and his shoulders and back easily carry his backpack, great sword, maul, and javelins. He comes across as privileged in some words and deeds, but not in any way indicative of him shirking his duties. There have been occaisional prayers to Helm overheard in the past couple of days. He is in fine clothes and his chainmail is polished and the rings glint and reflect in the sunlight.
He frequently shifts his focus while guarding the rear, by alternating from trying to be as silent as he can, measuring his heartbeat to breathing and to footfalls. He scans the skies with a squint, and the surroundings for potential ambush or followers. But recently he found himself pleasantly distracted by the music and singing from the wagon. A smile crosses his face as the mirth reminds him of family parties and times spent with his siblings years ago.
You’ve been on the Triboar Trail for about half a day. As you come around a bend, you spot two dead horses sprawled about fifty feet ahead of you, blocking the path. Each has several black-feathered arrows sticking out of it. The woods press close to the trail here, with a steep embankment and dense thickets on either side.
Cade, scouting ahead, is the first to notice the dead horses. What would you all like to do?
Arame took the reins from Lia and watched Lia pull out a flute and start playing. Arame had been lost in her own thoughts. As if she was waking from a dream, Arame began to pay closer attention to the road and her surroundings. She looked at Lia and felt a strange sense of Deja Vu. She merely smiled at the flute playing elf.
Arame admired Lia's hair and her musical ability. She regretted she hadn't paid more attention once they had gotten into the wagon. She had been thinking about a missive she had received from her old mentor. Everything about it had disturbed her and she had been going over it all in her mind. She knew she should be paying attention to her surroundings. She stood to make 10 GP and she needed the money. She didn't want to mess things up. She definitely didn't want to let her friend Gundren down.
Arame looked around to see who all was with her. There was the pretty elven woman next to her who had introduced herself as Lia when they first climbed aboard. There was a halfling walking ahead, seemingly scouting out what was ahead. She wondered if he would get tired walking ahead all day. There was another elven woman beside the wagon. The woman wore a scowl on her face as if she didn't want to chat so Arame figured she would introduce herself later. The Dwarf behind her was singing. She liked listening and wouldn't disturb him. Following the wagon she noticed a half-orc. She had never met a half orc before and was intrigued. She smiled his way but doubted he noticed. Arame turned around again and caught Lia's eye and smiled at her before looking ahead to the road. Arame deliberately dismissed the worries she had about the letter.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kato
Life gives you lemons, make lemonade, life gives you a sword? You make corpses of your enemies, sorcery is a good sword life has given you. (Stolen from friend)
As they round a bend Lia pauses playing for a while and says quietly to Arame “Penny for your thoughts... that’s what my mother used to say!... ... you’ve been quiet this morning. You okay?”. She offers the woman a kind shy smile.
Lorahzt's attention is pulled to the road ahead by the sight of something small moving towards them. She stops moving and blinks her eyes, focusing on the approaching figure of the halfling. "Scout's coming back," she says aloud as she steps forward towards Cade. From their few days on the road together, Lorahzt knows him to be of a quieter sort, but more importantly, she knows he won't be returning unless he has something to report.
"Is there something up ahead?" Hopefully, this time it won't be another fallen tree...
Ologu will close ranks a bit when he notices the wagon come to a stop. He maintains some distance from the rear of the wagon and quietly draws his greatsword. He visually surveys the area for potential ambush points that would provide the most opportunistic attack vectors. He makes himself as quiet in sound and spirit as he can to both hear noises from the underbrush as well as chatter from his compatriots as to the reason for the sudden stop. He silently mouths a prayer to Helm for clarity of mind and alertness.
Thror's singing comes to an abrupt end as the news of dead animals ahead comes through. The dwarf hops off the back of the wagon and cautiously scans their surrounding for any sign of danger as he waits for Cade to scout out the area
OOC: Perception 13 Thror will ready an action to cast Mage Armor on himself at the first sign of danger.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active Characters Tink - Elf ArtificerNicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter Thurkear - Lizardfolk WarlockBjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
1
(^Nothing to see here.)
Cade, taking a closer look at the horses, deduces that they have been dead for at least a day, and it was definitely the arrows that killed the horses. He identifies the horses as those belonging to Gundren and Sildar. The saddlebags have been completely looted, and nearby there lies an empty leather map case. As Cade heads back to the group, he barely escapes being seen by some figures hidden from view.
7
The party begins to approach the horses. You all notice four goblins, two on each side of the road, sneaking out from the forest, poised to attack. Roll initiative everyone!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thror's Initiative: 4
OOC: Looks like I made some mistake here?
Rolling again. 11
As soon as Thror catches sight of the goblins, his magic surges and a shimmering translucent ale keg forms about his chest, protecting it from any incoming blows.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Arame looks up to answer Lia just in time to see that the Scout has come back and the Dwarf behind her, jumped off the wagon rushing forward. Lia and Arame look at each other briefly.
Arame and Lia halt the horses and hop off the wagon almost simultaneously [ hope that is okay with Lia ]. Arame sees the horses and recognizes them immediately. She readies herself for action.
6
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kato
Life gives you lemons, make lemonade, life gives you a sword? You make corpses of your enemies, sorcery is a good sword life has given you. (Stolen from friend)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before Arame can answer, the two women notice the commotion up ahead...
At Cade’s signal, theyslow the wagon to a stop. Then at the sight of the goblins, Lia and Arame hop off the wagon, in perfect unison, and ready themselves for action!
Lia glances at the goblins, looking to see if any of them have armour or weapons...
Sharing the reins at the front of the wagon, a human woman and a young elven woman sit side-by-side, while a black-bearded dwarf sits in the back of the wagon. Also seen on the trail are a young halfling scouting ahead, and a moon elf walking alongside the wagon, while a half-orc clad in chain mail walks behind.
Describe your characters and feel free to roleplay among yourselves as I set up the beginning of the campaign.
With his stubby legs hanging over the back of the wagon, Thror hums an old dwarven travelling tune as he absentmindedly whittles away at a piece of wood. Gundren ye old coot of a Rockeater, why did ye have te rope me in te this silly endeavour of yours? He sighs inwardly as he periodically turns his head from side to side, scanning the forests through which they are passing. "Lia lass, how much further do you reckon we be travelling today?" the dwarf calls out a question to the two seated in front.
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Lia loved how some dwarves said her name: 'Lia lass'.... When they said it like that, it sounded particularly Elven, but somehow distinctly Dwarven at the same time. 'Lia Lass'... it made her smile.
She leans forward a little; sniffs the air, and sniffs the oxen... ... “The oxen have a fair while left in them, I'd say, Master Thror, 'A wee while in them yet!' ", she says, finishing with a terrible approximation of her dwarven friend's accent. Her words were a playful mixture: both kind and formal, but not without some teasing. This summed Lia up, for the short time the party has known her.
Then she remarks, 'What was that tune? I've heard Gundren hum that one before...'. She passes Arame the reigns for a second and takes out a small wooden flute. She plays a few long, slow notes, that begin by matching Thror's tune, but then change into more of an accompaniment. Her tune seems to pick up elements of her surroundings too: it rises and falls with the wind, and is accentuated by birdsong or the snapping of a twig.... She plays a woodland version of Thror's mountain tune, and nods at Thror encouragingly in case he wanted to join in and while away the time together.
Description:-
Lia is a young wood elf. By human standards she looks perhaps late teens, but she's approaching her first century. She’s fairly small and slight, but quick and graceful. She wears amber-coloured clothes, the colour of trumpet-mushrooms or autumn leaves. The fabric is light and floaty. It wraps tightly around her body in places, and billows and flaps in the breeze in others. The cloth is tied with a dark sash around her waist, and ankle- and wrist-wraps of a more muted shade. She has a beautiful elven shortbow and a slender quarterstaff at her side.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
"Oh ho! So ye be knowing the song too eh lass?" Thror grins when Lia joins in. Clearing his throat, the dwarf sings
"O the rugged road is but an amber
That lights the way to the halls
Where the forges never slumber
Filled with sound of hammer falls
So braid yer beards,
hitch up your packs
keep on marching
till we get back"
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Lia shuffles around on the bench when she hears Thror joining in, managing to turn to face backwards while still playing: kneeling in her seat and resting her elbows on the gear in the back as she plays... enjoying the nostalgia of the tune.
In some places she plays quietly, to let Thror's course, marching rhythm stand out. And in other places she almost smothers his tune with extra trills and embellishments. Like a playful woodland breeze whistling through a mountain pass.
When they finish the tune, Lia laughs out loud, 'Ha!.. I've never actually heard the words before!! That's brilliant!...". She settles back into her seat, still chuckling. And maybe she plays a quieter, more peaceful melody. Just something for a bit of subtle background cheer...
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
A little ahead of the wagon Cade glances back as he hears the music and singing. A slight smile curls up his lips as his hand slips up to the chunk of wood tied to a cord around his neck. He is a pale halfling with sandy-brown hair and wearing leather armor. A scimitar rests at his hip, and he wears a pack on his back. A wooden shield is attached to the pack.
Turning his attention back to the road ahead, he continues on ahead of the wagon, looking for any dangers.
Beside the wagon, Lorahzt quietly tramps along with her maroon eyes narrowed in something that could be mistaken for a glare. Traveling on the surface was, for the most part, a much safer proposition than anything she's experienced down below, but all the same she can only wonder, Why must surface dwellers do everything by light of day? She already knows the answer of course, but it does little to stop the bright sun above from shining down upon her.
Her pointed ears perk up and her gaze flits over to her traveling companions as they begin to talk among themselves, then have an impromptu performance in the back of the wagon. The music is... different than she is used to, but it isn't bad. Nor is the company, for that matter. Shrugging her shoulders to readjust the longbow and shield competing for space on her back, Lorahzt quietly tramps along.
In the conversations on the road leading up to this moment, it is evident that Ologu is cultured and polite but of few words. Physically. he is a specimen of subdued strength. He is broad and tall, probably 6' 3" or 4" and his shoulders and back easily carry his backpack, great sword, maul, and javelins. He comes across as privileged in some words and deeds, but not in any way indicative of him shirking his duties. There have been occaisional prayers to Helm overheard in the past couple of days. He is in fine clothes and his chainmail is polished and the rings glint and reflect in the sunlight.
He frequently shifts his focus while guarding the rear, by alternating from trying to be as silent as he can, measuring his heartbeat to breathing and to footfalls. He scans the skies with a squint, and the surroundings for potential ambush or followers. But recently he found himself pleasantly distracted by the music and singing from the wagon. A smile crosses his face as the mirth reminds him of family parties and times spent with his siblings years ago.
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
Cade, scouting ahead, is the first to notice the dead horses. What would you all like to do?
Arame took the reins from Lia and watched Lia pull out a flute and start playing. Arame had been lost in her own thoughts. As if she was waking from a dream, Arame began to pay closer attention to the road and her surroundings. She looked at Lia and felt a strange sense of Deja Vu. She merely smiled at the flute playing elf.
Arame admired Lia's hair and her musical ability. She regretted she hadn't paid more attention once they had gotten into the wagon. She had been thinking about a missive she had received from her old mentor. Everything about it had disturbed her and she had been going over it all in her mind. She knew she should be paying attention to her surroundings. She stood to make 10 GP and she needed the money. She didn't want to mess things up. She definitely didn't want to let her friend Gundren down.
Arame looked around to see who all was with her. There was the pretty elven woman next to her who had introduced herself as Lia when they first climbed aboard. There was a halfling walking ahead, seemingly scouting out what was ahead. She wondered if he would get tired walking ahead all day. There was another elven woman beside the wagon. The woman wore a scowl on her face as if she didn't want to chat so Arame figured she would introduce herself later. The Dwarf behind her was singing. She liked listening and wouldn't disturb him. Following the wagon she noticed a half-orc. She had never met a half orc before and was intrigued. She smiled his way but doubted he noticed. Arame turned around again and caught Lia's eye and smiled at her before looking ahead to the road. Arame deliberately dismissed the worries she had about the letter.
Kato
Life gives you lemons, make lemonade, life gives you a sword? You make corpses of your enemies, sorcery is a good sword life has given you. (Stolen from friend)
As they round a bend Lia pauses playing for a while and says quietly to Arame “Penny for your thoughts... that’s what my mother used to say!... ... you’ve been quiet this morning. You okay?”. She offers the woman a kind shy smile.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
As cade comes into sight of the dead animals, he pauses and looks around a bit more carefully.
perception: 19
He will then fall back, returning to stop the wagon before it gets any closer.
Stealth: 19 as he tries to do so as quietly as possible.
halfling luck to reroll nat 1 on stealth: 17
Lorahzt's attention is pulled to the road ahead by the sight of something small moving towards them. She stops moving and blinks her eyes, focusing on the approaching figure of the halfling. "Scout's coming back," she says aloud as she steps forward towards Cade. From their few days on the road together, Lorahzt knows him to be of a quieter sort, but more importantly, she knows he won't be returning unless he has something to report.
"Is there something up ahead?" Hopefully, this time it won't be another fallen tree...
Ologu will close ranks a bit when he notices the wagon come to a stop. He maintains some distance from the rear of the wagon and quietly draws his greatsword. He visually surveys the area for potential ambush points that would provide the most opportunistic attack vectors. He makes himself as quiet in sound and spirit as he can to both hear noises from the underbrush as well as chatter from his compatriots as to the reason for the sudden stop. He silently mouths a prayer to Helm for clarity of mind and alertness.
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
Thror's singing comes to an abrupt end as the news of dead animals ahead comes through. The dwarf hops off the back of the wagon and cautiously scans their surrounding for any sign of danger as he waits for Cade to scout out the area
OOC: Perception 13
Thror will ready an action to cast Mage Armor on himself at the first sign of danger.
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
1
(^Nothing to see here.)
Cade, taking a closer look at the horses, deduces that they have been dead for at least a day, and it was definitely the arrows that killed the horses. He identifies the horses as those belonging to Gundren and Sildar. The saddlebags have been completely looted, and nearby there lies an empty leather map case. As Cade heads back to the group, he barely escapes being seen by some figures hidden from view.
7
The party begins to approach the horses. You all notice four goblins, two on each side of the road, sneaking out from the forest, poised to attack. Roll initiative everyone!
Goblins initiative: 3
Ologu’s initiative: 23
Ologu mouths another prayer, this one in thanks for the previously answered prayer.
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
Thror's Initiative: 4OOC: Looks like I made some mistake here?
Rolling again. 11
As soon as Thror catches sight of the goblins, his magic surges and a shimmering translucent ale keg forms about his chest, protecting it from any incoming blows.
Thror casts Mage Armor on himself.
Wild Magic Surge: 19
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Arame looks up to answer Lia just in time to see that the Scout has come back and the Dwarf behind her, jumped off the wagon rushing forward. Lia and Arame look at each other briefly.
Arame and Lia halt the horses and hop off the wagon almost simultaneously [ hope that is okay with Lia ]. Arame sees the horses and recognizes them immediately. She readies herself for action.
6
Kato
Life gives you lemons, make lemonade, life gives you a sword? You make corpses of your enemies, sorcery is a good sword life has given you. (Stolen from friend)
Before Arame can answer, the two women notice the commotion up ahead...
At Cade’s signal, they slow the wagon to a stop. Then at the sight of the goblins, Lia and Arame hop off the wagon, in perfect unison, and ready themselves for action!
Lia glances at the goblins, looking to see if any of them have armour or weapons...
Lia’s initiative: 22
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss