The Sunless Citadel was once a secret stronghold of the Cult of the Dragon, located in the foothills northwest of Thundertree. It plunged into the earth when Mount Hotenow erupted and threw Neverwinter into chaos.
The goblin tribe infesting the nearby ruins sells a single piece of magical fruit to the highest bidder in Oakhurst once every midsummer. The fruit, apparently an apple of perfect hue, heals those who suffer from any disease or other ailment.
You have arrived in Oakhurst each with your own agenda, but one common interest; the apple, its magical powers, and the underground stronghold where dwells the goblins who hold it in their grasp.
You are all stood in the office of Mayor Vurnor Leng, a male human who can spot an adventurer a mile off and has had you brought before him (peacefully) to explain your reasons for being in town - whilst also seeking assurances that you mean no danger to his people.
(Please make one post each describing yourself and your reason for being in Oakhurst - at least the one you want to share...)
Hi Mr Mayjor, my names Notian, I’m come to bring the joy of my music to as many people as possible. (Busts out a solo performance check 13) I was raised in an orphanage funded by the wonderful Barbar-Ian and hope one day he will hear my songs too and maybe bring him back a thank you apple.
Originally built to hunt down bounties by my makers. I’m bored of serving and constantly having visions of my previous wrongdoings. I want them gone and this magic apple is the answer. I need to break my function.
Although I do not eat, the source of its power will give me answers
I am illburnya, a dwarf house agent of Kundarak which I serve with absolute humility and tireless enthusiasm. The House has commanded me to learn more of this magical apple to see if I can reproduce its properties for the good of all. Although I have served for many years, I have only very recently been given a spell book with minimal training so my expertise is very low. I am a willing learner and can always assist any I travel with by offering food and lodging at any house enclave.......LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN !!
Good day Mr Mayor....i am Guardian. A powerful but peace loving Aasimar paladin guided by my celestial agent.
With my increasing age I have been experiencing more and more visions. My most vivid visions lately is of a potentially powerful, possibly destructive magical healing item. Could this Apple be the item from my vision? Could it really do everything I’ve heard? If it does, surely it shouldn’t be used to turn a profit!
May the deities of Mount Celestia bless you all 🙏🏻
Mayor Vurnor Leng takes a moment to take in your stories and your appearance: “Well aren’t you the oddest bunch? I’ll take you at your word that you are here for the apple, although I’m sorry to say you’re a little early. The goblins bring it up from the Sunless Citadel the day after midsummer, and that is a good tenday away.
Nonetheless, we resent the power that those wretched goblins hold over us, coming up here every year to make father bid against son, brother against sister, for their doubtless ill-gotten fortune. If you could clear the citadel of the goblins – and any other dangers that might reside there – then you may take this year’s fruit as payment.
I would suggest that you work together in this endeavour, but that is your choice to make.
You have the run of Oakhurst, within the limits of the law. Good luck, adventurers”
(You may now each choose a location to visit from the list below. Please post your destination and intended activity. Please also indicate if you are ready to move to the citadel or would like to visit another location (no need to declare activity at further locations yet)).
Village Hall: Your current location, in case you wish to discuss anything else with Mayor Leng.
General Store: The village’s main source for supplies and merchandise is the general store, owned and operated by Kerowyn Hucrele, a female human.
Shrine: Advice, information, and healing are among the services dispensed at the village’s shrine. It is maintained by Dem “Corkie” Nackle, a female gnome priestof Lathander.
Jail: Next to the village hall is a stout building where miscreants serve their sentences. Oakhurst’s constable is Felosial, a female half-elf veteran. She commands a force of guards who keep the village safe.
Blacksmith: Repairing and forging arms and armor is the job of the village smithy, Rurik Lutgehr, a male dwarf.
Ol’ Boar Inn: Garon, a male human, is the owner and barkeep of the Ol’ Boar Inn. He serves food and drink, and the place has a few rooms that visitors can rent.
I nod. “Consider it done” and I walk out the door, heading straight to see Rurik at the blacksmiths.
I purchase the best armour I can get for 20 gold, ideally medium but light is acceptable if my resources do not stretch that far. I then spend an hour intergrating it onto my body.
I then head to the outskirts of town and wait in sentry mode until the others are ready.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Illburnya follows 13 at a respectable distance to the blacksmith and waits outside. When he emerges, Illburnya enters and shows Rurik his House signet ring. The blacksmith nods curtly acknowledging its significance. "Can you tell me anything about the Goblin citadel, as we intend to visit there." Illburnya says
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Notian notices Illburnya looking to get some information from the blacksmith and jumps on the chance win over his new found friends giving Bardic inspiration to Illburnyas roll. 18
"Blackmith I see your true colors And that's why I quite like you So don't be afraid to let them show Your true colors True colors are beautiful (they're beautiful) Like a irony rainbow…"
Rurik looks up at the sight before him; a monster carved from wood and metal enquiring about his wares. His grey eyes twitch as he tries to establish that this is not some polite precursor to aggression, then seems to settle as he assesses 13's enquiry to be genuine.
"Well, I have at least one suit of armour to cater for most preferences, but I'm afraid what you're looking for seems to be out of that budget. Have you ever thought about supplementing your natural defences with a shield?"
The dwarf strides away across the smithy at a pace that belies his size and returns with an impressive disc of steel, embossed on the front and with strong strapping on the back to ensure a reliable grip in combat.
"For ten gold you can take it now; refits are free if you need the strapping adjusted"
(If you decide to purchase the shield, add it to your equipment and remove 10gp from your currency). You find a grassy bluff at the edge of Oakhurst and commence your silent overwatch, birds settling on your motionless form.
@Illburnya, @Notian
You enter as 13 strides away and find Rurik has rushed to a window to watch the warforged head away. He takes a moment to notice you both enter and looks slightly embarrassed as he seeks to explain himself: "I still can't get used to those things. I hear they have souls, but if you ask me they're an affront to Moradin. It's good to see a brother dwarf in these parts, now what can I do for you?"
As Illburnya displays the signet ring of House Kundarak and Notian's enchanting tune drifts across the smithy, Rurik's face softens into a combination of recognition and submission.
"Well I'm getting all the travellers today aren't I? No one knows for sure what the Sunless Citadel once was, but legends hint that it served as the retreat of an ancient dragon cult. A party of adventurers, locally based, delved into the Sunless Citadel a month past but were never seen again. Two human members of that ill-fated party were brother and sister, Talgen and Sharwyn Hucrele. They were part of an important merchant family based in Oakhurst, and Kerowyn Hucrele, the matriarch of the family, might offer a reward for their safe return. Or at least proof of their fate..."
Rurik drifts slightly as a mournful look crosses his face, "They were - are - good kids. I truly hope you find them alive and can bring them back. The Hecrules were accompanied by a paladin of Lathander called Sir Braford and a ranger called Karakas"
(Everyone is now free to attend to another location within Oakhurst or declare themselves ready to travel)
Illburnya thanks Rurik for the information and bids him farewell. He asks the blacksmith to send a message to Kerowyn telling her of their journey and promising to inform her of anything the party discover.
He thanks Notian and suggests they follow 13, and start their journey.
Guardian goes to visit Corkie with divine discussion in mind.
“I greet you well Corkie”.
“Following a vision and some consultation with my celestial agent, I have come to Oakhurst seeking enlightenment on the word of healing fruit. What can you tell me of the fruit’s power?”
Corkie looks up from her prayers as you enter and smiles, seemingly unfazed by the interruption. "Greetings traveller, Lathander's blessing upon you"
The gnome exudes an air of divine serenity as she takes in your appearance and - seemingly - your intentions.
"It is rare for us to see one so touched by the divine...aasimar. As to your quest, I can share with you what I know; the apple harvested at midsummer is the perfect example of its kind and can heal any ailment of the body or soul. At midwinter, the goblins offer a different apple - corpse-white and poisonous, even to the touch. The townsfolk of Oakhurst sometimes plant the seeds at the center of each fruit, hoping to engender an enchanted apple tree. When the seeds germinate in their proper season, they produce a twiggy mass of twisted sapling stems. Not too long after the saplings reach 2 feet in height, they are stolen—every time. The townsfolk assume the goblins send out thieves to ensure their monopoly of enchanted fruit"
Corkie stops for a moment, seemingly conflicted about whether to share the next piece of information. When she speaks again, her tone has lost some of its sparkle:
"You are not the first to ask me about the Citadel. About thirteen years ago, a grim human named Belak stopped by, and he had a very large pet frog. I have never seen or heard of him again, and I fear that I misjudged his character. I wonder if I led him to his doom, or even worse empowered him to send others to theirs"
Corkie takes a second to compose herself and returns to her prayers, showing no impatience towards either your continued presence or departure.
(OOC: I have edited previous posts to rename the god 'Pelor' to 'Lathander', the Forgotten Realms equivalent. I was tempted to style it out but a little editing now is easier than introducing a new deity to our campaign!)
(Just need Notian and Guardian to confirm that they are ready to leave Oakhurst, then we can proceed)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The four adventurers meet at the edge of Oakhurst and set off for the citadel.
The journey is sunny and pleasant, a curious juxtaposition against the darkness and danger that you have no doubt awaits. You expect the seven mile trek to take you a couple of hours, but are barely halfway when a shriek fills the air and snaps you to attention.
Just ahead of you on the road is a female gnome with brilliant red hair adorned with an incredible assortment of braids decorated with flowers, vines, feathers and various colorful stones.
The gnomeis facing away from you and is slowly backing in your direction, away from four figures in front of her. You have never seen their like before; two feet tall and humanoid in shape, they seem entirely made of entwined twigs or roots. They advance on the gnome with their arms poised to attack, their inscrutable faces showing no emotion at all.
(Everyone roll for initiative and declare your intended actions, including the gnome)
The enemies roll: 18, 2, 16, 11
Map:
Picture of the opponents:
Edit: Was just trying to work out how to do pics! But the gnome is 65ft east of the group, and the enemy are 25ft beyond her (sorted now, phew)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
7 initiative roll. Notian moves as close as he can in preparation to cast “bane” when they come into range (30ft) and when he moves he casts vicious mockery on the one closest to the gnome.(65ft)
”Hey Stick face! You’re the worst stick dude I’ve ever seen. You look more like a Poo stick!. Stupid poo stick.”
The Sunless Citadel was once a secret stronghold of the Cult of the Dragon, located in the foothills northwest of Thundertree. It plunged into the earth when Mount Hotenow erupted and threw Neverwinter into chaos.
The goblin tribe infesting the nearby ruins sells a single piece of magical fruit to the highest bidder in Oakhurst once every midsummer. The fruit, apparently an apple of perfect hue, heals those who suffer from any disease or other ailment.
You have arrived in Oakhurst each with your own agenda, but one common interest; the apple, its magical powers, and the underground stronghold where dwells the goblins who hold it in their grasp.
You are all stood in the office of Mayor Vurnor Leng, a male human who can spot an adventurer a mile off and has had you brought before him (peacefully) to explain your reasons for being in town - whilst also seeking assurances that you mean no danger to his people.
(Please make one post each describing yourself and your reason for being in Oakhurst - at least the one you want to share...)
Hi Mr Mayjor, my names Notian, I’m come to bring the joy of my music to as many people as possible. (Busts out a solo performance check 13) I was raised in an orphanage funded by the wonderful Barbar-Ian and hope one day he will hear my songs too and maybe bring him back a thank you apple.
I am 13. The last of my line.
Originally built to hunt down bounties by my makers. I’m bored of serving and constantly having visions of my previous wrongdoings. I want them gone and this magic apple is the answer. I need to break my function.
Although I do not eat, the source of its power will give me answers
I must complete my mission.
I am illburnya, a dwarf house agent of Kundarak which I serve with absolute humility and tireless enthusiasm. The House has commanded me to learn more of this magical apple to see if I can reproduce its properties for the good of all. Although I have served for many years, I have only very recently been given a spell book with minimal training so my expertise is very low. I am a willing learner and can always assist any I travel with by offering food and lodging at any house enclave.......LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN !!
Would anyone like to hear a bagpipes solo?
Good day Mr Mayor....i am Guardian. A powerful but peace loving Aasimar paladin guided by my celestial agent.
With my increasing age I have been experiencing more and more visions. My most vivid visions lately is of a potentially powerful, possibly destructive magical healing item. Could this Apple be the item from my vision? Could it really do everything I’ve heard? If it does, surely it shouldn’t be used to turn a profit!
May the deities of Mount Celestia bless you all 🙏🏻
Mayor Vurnor Leng takes a moment to take in your stories and your appearance: “Well aren’t you the oddest bunch? I’ll take you at your word that you are here for the apple, although I’m sorry to say you’re a little early. The goblins bring it up from the Sunless Citadel the day after midsummer, and that is a good tenday away.
Nonetheless, we resent the power that those wretched goblins hold over us, coming up here every year to make father bid against son, brother against sister, for their doubtless ill-gotten fortune. If you could clear the citadel of the goblins – and any other dangers that might reside there – then you may take this year’s fruit as payment.
I would suggest that you work together in this endeavour, but that is your choice to make.
You have the run of Oakhurst, within the limits of the law. Good luck, adventurers”
(You may now each choose a location to visit from the list below. Please post your destination and intended activity. Please also indicate if you are ready to move to the citadel or would like to visit another location (no need to declare activity at further locations yet)).
Village Hall: Your current location, in case you wish to discuss anything else with Mayor Leng.
General Store: The village’s main source for supplies and merchandise is the general store, owned and operated by Kerowyn Hucrele, a female human.
Shrine: Advice, information, and healing are among the services dispensed at the village’s shrine. It is maintained by Dem “Corkie” Nackle, a female gnome priest of Lathander.
Jail: Next to the village hall is a stout building where miscreants serve their sentences. Oakhurst’s constable is Felosial, a female half-elf veteran. She commands a force of guards who keep the village safe.
Blacksmith: Repairing and forging arms and armor is the job of the village smithy, Rurik Lutgehr, a male dwarf.
Ol’ Boar Inn: Garon, a male human, is the owner and barkeep of the Ol’ Boar Inn. He serves food and drink, and the place has a few rooms that visitors can rent.
I nod. “Consider it done” and I walk out the door, heading straight to see Rurik at the blacksmiths.
I purchase the best armour I can get for 20 gold, ideally medium but light is acceptable if my resources do not stretch that far. I then spend an hour intergrating it onto my body.
I then head to the outskirts of town and wait in sentry mode until the others are ready.
Illburnya follows 13 at a respectable distance to the blacksmith and waits outside. When he emerges, Illburnya enters and shows Rurik his House signet ring. The blacksmith nods curtly acknowledging its significance. "Can you tell me anything about the Goblin citadel, as we intend to visit there." Illburnya says
10
Persuasion check.
Notian notices Illburnya looking to get some information from the blacksmith and jumps on the chance win over his new found friends giving Bardic inspiration to Illburnyas roll. 18
"Blackmith I see your true colors
And that's why I quite like you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful (they're beautiful)
Like a irony rainbow…"
@13:
Rurik looks up at the sight before him; a monster carved from wood and metal enquiring about his wares. His grey eyes twitch as he tries to establish that this is not some polite precursor to aggression, then seems to settle as he assesses 13's enquiry to be genuine.
"Well, I have at least one suit of armour to cater for most preferences, but I'm afraid what you're looking for seems to be out of that budget. Have you ever thought about supplementing your natural defences with a shield?"
The dwarf strides away across the smithy at a pace that belies his size and returns with an impressive disc of steel, embossed on the front and with strong strapping on the back to ensure a reliable grip in combat.
"For ten gold you can take it now; refits are free if you need the strapping adjusted"
(If you decide to purchase the shield, add it to your equipment and remove 10gp from your currency). You find a grassy bluff at the edge of Oakhurst and commence your silent overwatch, birds settling on your motionless form.
@Illburnya, @Notian
You enter as 13 strides away and find Rurik has rushed to a window to watch the warforged head away. He takes a moment to notice you both enter and looks slightly embarrassed as he seeks to explain himself: "I still can't get used to those things. I hear they have souls, but if you ask me they're an affront to Moradin. It's good to see a brother dwarf in these parts, now what can I do for you?"
As Illburnya displays the signet ring of House Kundarak and Notian's enchanting tune drifts across the smithy, Rurik's face softens into a combination of recognition and submission.
"Well I'm getting all the travellers today aren't I? No one knows for sure what the Sunless Citadel once was, but legends hint that it served as the retreat of an ancient dragon cult. A party of adventurers, locally based, delved into the Sunless Citadel a month past but were never seen again. Two human members of that ill-fated party were brother and sister, Talgen and Sharwyn Hucrele. They were part of an important merchant family based in Oakhurst, and Kerowyn Hucrele, the matriarch of the family, might offer a reward for their safe return. Or at least proof of their fate..."
Rurik drifts slightly as a mournful look crosses his face, "They were - are - good kids. I truly hope you find them alive and can bring them back. The Hecrules were accompanied by a paladin of Lathander called Sir Braford and a ranger called Karakas"
(Everyone is now free to attend to another location within Oakhurst or declare themselves ready to travel)
Illburnya thanks Rurik for the information and bids him farewell. He asks the blacksmith to send a message to Kerowyn telling her of their journey and promising to inform her of anything the party discover.
He thanks Notian and suggests they follow 13, and start their journey.
Guardian goes to visit Corkie with divine discussion in mind.
“I greet you well Corkie”.
“Following a vision and some consultation with my celestial agent, I have come to Oakhurst seeking enlightenment on the word of healing fruit. What can you tell me of the fruit’s power?”
@Guardian:
Corkie looks up from her prayers as you enter and smiles, seemingly unfazed by the interruption. "Greetings traveller, Lathander's blessing upon you"
The gnome exudes an air of divine serenity as she takes in your appearance and - seemingly - your intentions.
"It is rare for us to see one so touched by the divine...aasimar. As to your quest, I can share with you what I know; the apple harvested at midsummer is the perfect example of its kind and can heal any ailment of the body or soul. At midwinter, the goblins offer a different apple - corpse-white and poisonous, even to the touch. The townsfolk of Oakhurst sometimes plant the seeds at the center of each fruit, hoping to engender an enchanted apple tree. When the seeds germinate in their proper season, they produce a twiggy mass of twisted sapling stems. Not too long after the saplings reach 2 feet in height, they are stolen—every time. The townsfolk assume the goblins send out thieves to ensure their monopoly of enchanted fruit"
Corkie stops for a moment, seemingly conflicted about whether to share the next piece of information. When she speaks again, her tone has lost some of its sparkle:
"You are not the first to ask me about the Citadel. About thirteen years ago, a grim human named Belak stopped by, and he had a very large pet frog. I have never seen or heard of him again, and I fear that I misjudged his character. I wonder if I led him to his doom, or even worse empowered him to send others to theirs"
Corkie takes a second to compose herself and returns to her prayers, showing no impatience towards either your continued presence or departure.
(OOC: I have edited previous posts to rename the god 'Pelor' to 'Lathander', the Forgotten Realms equivalent. I was tempted to style it out but a little editing now is easier than introducing a new deity to our campaign!)
(Just need Notian and Guardian to confirm that they are ready to leave Oakhurst, then we can proceed)
The four adventurers meet at the edge of Oakhurst and set off for the citadel.
The journey is sunny and pleasant, a curious juxtaposition against the darkness and danger that you have no doubt awaits. You expect the seven mile trek to take you a couple of hours, but are barely halfway when a shriek fills the air and snaps you to attention.
Just ahead of you on the road is a female gnome with brilliant red hair adorned with an incredible assortment of braids decorated with flowers, vines, feathers and various colorful stones.
The gnome is facing away from you and is slowly backing in your direction, away from four figures in front of her. You have never seen their like before; two feet tall and humanoid in shape, they seem entirely made of entwined twigs or roots. They advance on the gnome with their arms poised to attack, their inscrutable faces showing no emotion at all.
(Everyone roll for initiative and declare your intended actions, including the gnome)
The enemies roll: 18, 2, 16, 11
Map:
Picture of the opponents:
Edit: Was just trying to work out how to do pics! But the gnome is 65ft east of the group, and the enemy are 25ft beyond her (sorted now, phew)
Guardian rolls an 18 (17+1)
(Thanks Guardian - feel free to state your actions/movement as well, no need to wait for your turn to do that - I'll process all combatants in order)
Guardian moves 30ft east towards the gnome. Guardian would like to roll a perception check to assess the gnome from a distance for injuries.
If acceptable....Guardian rolls a 4 (then gets his coat!)
7 initiative roll. Notian moves as close as he can in preparation to cast “bane” when they come into range (30ft) and when he moves he casts vicious mockery on the one closest to the gnome.(65ft)
”Hey Stick face! You’re the worst stick dude I’ve ever seen. You look more like a Poo stick!. Stupid poo stick.”