A meeting in a shallow cave during a thunderstorm can end in several ways, usually wrong.
But the five of you waited out the storm with no serious problems. And with the coming of the morn, decided to travel together northward to the city of Neverwinter.
The travel is comfortable enough. The summer sun not too hot as yet. And at times you fancy you can smell the salt air from the coast, just ten miles on your left.
It is early on the second day from the cave when you see a trail branch off and head east. Someone remembers hearing of the new, old town of Phandalin. How people from both Neverwinter and Waterdeep are sharing in the task of rebuilding it and have met some small success.
Deciding to see what new supplies can be had in Phandalin, and out of mere curiosity, you decide to follow the trail. You spend one more night in the forest and come upon the town mid morning.
Nestled in the rocky foothills of the snow-capped Sword Mountains is the mining town of Phandalin, which consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings. Crumbling stone ruins surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past.
Phandalin's residents are quiet, hard-working folk who came from distant cities to eke out a life amid the harsh wilderness. They are farmers, stonecutters, blacksmiths, traders, prospectors, and children. The town has no walls and no garrison, but most of the adults keep weapons within easy reach in case the need for arms should arise.
Visitors are welcome here, particularly if they have coin to spend or news to share. The Stonehill Inn at the center of town offers modest lodging and meals. A couple of doors down from the inn, posted outside the townmaster's hall, is a job board for adventurers.
Xel-Thoth looks like he has spent most of his years indoors. His robes have started to show signs of wear from the travel to Phandalin. Going through the muddy road and sleeping in a cave did nothing good to his once clean robes. His movements seem awkward, bordering on clumsy, which would give anyone who observes him the impression that he was not meant for the outdoors.
He's thankful that at least he has survived this far. It was lucky that he was able to run into the others in the cave. "Strength in numbers" as he has often heard.
If he was being honest, and he was for his father had told him that a good man is an honest man, Tyrgram had to admit that huddling in a shallow cave away from the rain was hardly the glamorous start he'd imagined his travels would have. He stifled a sniffle and tried to pull his cloak tighter around himself, before realising he was not wearing one. So he resolved to hug himself and rub his arms for warmth.
Luckily the rain eased up and when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, it was time to move on. Tyrgram got up, his armour softling clinking softly as he dusted it off, hoisted his backpack on his back and took up his shield. The armour was old with patches of rust splattered throughout but someone had obviously taken great care to polish it back to much of its former glory. The shield was made of green and brown wood and on the front of it Tyrgram had painstakingly painted the image of a butterfly with firm yet amateurish skill and not the best of paint. Combined with his youthful visage, tanned skin and farmboy presence, he looked the very image of what a child would imagine a knight would look like.
Though Tyrgram did not expect it, he was content to travel in group. Seizing each of them up, he wondered what reasons they could have to be out on the open road.
After trudging from cave through forest and into Phandalin, Tyrgram was looking forward to sleeping in a comfortable bed. But call to adventure is greater still and upon spotting the job board, he briskly walked over to it to see what quests needed done.
EDIT: added a backstory to my character sheet. Is this something others can see or do I need to add it in the original thread or in pm?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Survival, to see if he's fetching anything else with him... 18
Roscoe was very happy to be returning home to Phandalin, especially with his new friends. Friends are good, especially those who travel, for they bring news, trade, and recipie ideas...
He waits patiently while Tyrgram looks at the Job Board, since the Stonehill Inn was the big building just over there...
Krov was a large, buff and scar filled black dragonborn. His appearence wasnt the best, his clothes all thorn up, he seemed like he never slept inside a home or never seen a bed. He was used to sleeping in rough enviornment, honestly caves were the best he ever had, so he was pretty confortable thru all that. Strangely enough he had company and he didnt mind it at all, tho he did not sleep nor drop his weapon at any time, he swore to fight evil and thats what he was going to do, he could not let his new strange friends be harmed by... him.
Once they reached the town, Krovs eyes glowed with excitement, he was amazed by all those people peacefuly working and interacting with each other, all those people safe from evil. Krov always stood a little in the back, didnt talk much only saying a few simple words and short sentences. If... anything... were to attack them he was ready to defend the innocent.
Krov waited patiently keeping an eye out for any trouble as tyrgram looked at the job board.
Erevan revelled in the time spent on the road. Cave, rain, forest, it didn't matter. He was seeing the wider world. He had slept well in the cave, compared to the others anyway. Perhaps these people were not used to sleeping outside. At least two seemed quite uncomfortable in these natural surroundings. Strange he thought to himself, how could people not find pleasure in the beauty of nature?
Phandalin offered new experiences for Erevan too, for he had always skirted the edges of cities. Never sure of what to expect, or even what was expected of him. Hopefully his travelling companions will offer some insight as to what to expect.
He walks along the path into town with wide eyes and an open, yet cautious, mind. This should prove interesting.
What an adventure Chom was having! Battling the elements, trekking through lush forests, and most importantly, making new friends! The robed wizard, surely a master of his craft! The brave knight, sure to make heads turn in his gleaming armor! The fearsome dragonborn, no doubt battle-hardened and ready for anything! The orc-ish bard, able to make crowds laugh and cry on a whim! An elf of the wilds, the perfect comrade for exploring all the nooks and crannies of Faerun. And Roscoe... Chom hadn't had time to converse with his remaining companion... but had no doubt he would be an excellent companion!
The gnome runs up to Whiskey as he grumbles, grabs his dirty sleeve, and snaps his fingers. Instantly, the garment is restored to its former glory. "Happy to be of service!", he says as he runs ahead to inspect the board with Tygram. He hops up and down with excitement as the knight reads, chattering at a near-constant drone. "What does it say? What does it say?"
Dwarf prospectors had found ancient dwarven ruins in the mountains to the southwest of here and have begun an archaeological dig for treasure and relics. They need to be warned that a white dragon has moved into the area. Take the warning to them, then return to Townmaster Harbin Wester to collect a reward of 50 gp.
The local midwife - an acolyte of Chauntea named Adabra Gwynn - lives by herself in a stone windmill on the side of a hill a few miles south of Phandalin. With dragon sightings becoming common, it's not safe for her to be alone. Urge Adabra to return to Phandalin. Once she's safe, visit Townmaster Harbin Wester to claim a reward of 25 gp.
A clan of reclusive rock gnomes resides in a small network of caves in the mountains to the southeast. The gnomes of Gnomengarde are known for their magical inventions. They might have something with which to defeat the dragon. Get whatever you can from them. If you bring back something useful and don't want to keep it for yourselves, Townmaster Harbin Wester will pay you 50 gp for it.
Erevan trots over to the notice board. Standing next to Tyrgram he also looks over the available notices.
"Mr Chomsky, there seems to be some other gnomes nearby. Apparently they may be able to supply a magical item to help in the fight against a dragon or some such. Perhaps you could act as a mediator if we were to visit them. What do you think?" Erevan kneels next to Chomsky to better look him in the eyes whilst talking to him. "Although, going to see the midwife might be a quicker trip"
(OoC: They're the two quests I think we could handle at level 1. The Dwarven dig may have unearthed some higher level monsters. We should leave that one till last until we see how well we handle battles)
Tyrgram took a moment to read and mull over what was pinned to the board. All three had just cause to be picked over the other, especially with the mention of a dragon - his heart fluttered for a moment - but one of them appealed to his sense of righteousness over the others.
'I say we aid the midwife first.' He said firmly. 'She is on her own whereas the Gnomes and Dwarves still have strength in numbers and their caves and ruins to seek refuge in.'
The corners of Tyrgram's mouth curled slightly upwards. 'Damsel in distress: classic.'
(OoC: They're the two quests I think we could handle at level 1. The Dwarven dig may have unearthed some higher level monsters. We should leave that one till last until we see how well we handle battles)
Are you saying that the Dwarves delved too greedily and too deep? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
"Dragons and dwarves? Dragons and midwives? Dragons and gnomes? The last one has a nice ring to it, don't you think? I've read lots of books on dragons, oh yes! Wouldn't call myself an expert though, oh no! Even less so on midwifery! Completely justified in leaving Candlekeep! Not one, but three dragon-related adventures to choose, yes indeed!
The gnome stops for a brief second, panting slightly as he catches his breath. He looks around the assembled group, puzzled for a second, before he realises they were actually seeking his opinion. "So sorry! Tyrgram is right, damsel in distress! Mustn't let her get eaten!"
He winks at his human companion, then snaps his fingers, summoning a small hawk in a puff of smoke. "Horace! We're going on a midwifery adventure! Be sure to take notes, you never know when we might have to deliver a baby!" The hawk cocks its head to one side, and you could almost swear you saw it roll its eyes.
You tear down the notice and head south. It takes you about an hour before you come upon a hill that rises to 20 ft on the right side and to 40 ft on the left.
You can just make out small stone piles on the rise to the left.
On the right you can see a short, small wall and most of a stone windmill, maybe three stories tall. It is weathered and appears to have been there a long time, but you can not be sure how long from this distance. You can also make out an iron fence encircling both structures and extending beyond.
In roughly the direction of the windmill, you hear what sounds like something heavy pounding on wood and faint growling. As you look, you see a window midway up the side of the windmill facing you open up and a woman lean out, waving her hand. "A little help?!"
In his head, he is already computing the costs and expenses in this endeavor. The great tales he has read in books seldom details the not so heroic actions of adventures. The common day to day things one has to do to survive.
Xel-Thoth ponders the likelihood that an actual dragon is involved in these jobs. Could these villagers be mistaken? Because if a dragon is truly involved then...the excitement the others seem to be experiencing will soon turn to fear.
The gnome stops for a brief second, panting slightly as he catches his breath. He looks around the assembled group, puzzled for a second, before he realises they were actually seeking his opinion. "So sorry! Tyrgram is right, damsel in distress! Mustn't let her get eaten!"
Tyrgram glanced down at the excited Gnome. 'Did you just...' He started before shutting his mouth. It could not be, could it? He decided to check and closed his eyes for a moment.
'Can you read my thoughts?' Tyrgram thought to himself. 'I'm thinking of... hot potato salad. Hot potato salad. Hot potato salad...'
He peered from the corner of his at the Gnome, curious to see what his reaction would be. But such things would have to wait until later: there was adventure to be had! Taking the note from the board, Tyrgram followed the rest of the group to the location detailed on the paper.
In roughly the direction of the windmill, you hear what sounds like something heavy pounding on wood and faint growling. As you look, you see a window midway up the side of the windmill facing you open up and a woman lean out, waving her hand. "A little help?!"
'What seems to be the problem, miss?' Tyrgram yelled back in a loud yet polite tone as he looked around to see what was making the growling and the pounding sounds.
While Tyrgram is talking with the lady in the window, Erevan will continue walking along the wall and see if he can look back to the windmill from another angle. Perception14
"A WINDMILL!" Chom squeals with delight as he races up the hill towards the fence. "Such fabulous contraptions! Oh, how I envy you madam, living in such splendor! My hawk and I stand ready to provide assistance! We have not delivered a baby before but are keen to learn! Isn't that right, Horace?" The hawk ruffles its feathers slightly but otherwise ignores its master.
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A meeting in a shallow cave during a thunderstorm can end in several ways, usually wrong.
But the five of you waited out the storm with no serious problems. And with the coming of the morn, decided to travel together northward to the city of Neverwinter.
The travel is comfortable enough. The summer sun not too hot as yet. And at times you fancy you can smell the salt air from the coast, just ten miles on your left.
It is early on the second day from the cave when you see a trail branch off and head east. Someone remembers hearing of the new, old town of Phandalin. How people from both Neverwinter and Waterdeep are sharing in the task of rebuilding it and have met some small success.
Deciding to see what new supplies can be had in Phandalin, and out of mere curiosity, you decide to follow the trail. You spend one more night in the forest and come upon the town mid morning.
Nestled in the rocky foothills of the snow-capped Sword Mountains is the mining town of Phandalin, which consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings. Crumbling stone ruins surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past.
Phandalin's residents are quiet, hard-working folk who came from distant cities to eke out a life amid the harsh wilderness. They are farmers, stonecutters, blacksmiths, traders, prospectors, and children. The town has no walls and no garrison, but most of the adults keep weapons within easy reach in case the need for arms should arise.
Visitors are welcome here, particularly if they have coin to spend or news to share. The Stonehill Inn at the center of town offers modest lodging and meals. A couple of doors down from the inn, posted outside the townmaster's hall, is a job board for adventurers.
Xel-Thoth looks like he has spent most of his years indoors. His robes have started to show signs of wear from the travel to Phandalin. Going through the muddy road and sleeping in a cave did nothing good to his once clean robes. His movements seem awkward, bordering on clumsy, which would give anyone who observes him the impression that he was not meant for the outdoors.
He's thankful that at least he has survived this far. It was lucky that he was able to run into the others in the cave. "Strength in numbers" as he has often heard.
If he was being honest, and he was for his father had told him that a good man is an honest man, Tyrgram had to admit that huddling in a shallow cave away from the rain was hardly the glamorous start he'd imagined his travels would have. He stifled a sniffle and tried to pull his cloak tighter around himself, before realising he was not wearing one. So he resolved to hug himself and rub his arms for warmth.
Luckily the rain eased up and when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, it was time to move on. Tyrgram got up, his armour softling clinking softly as he dusted it off, hoisted his backpack on his back and took up his shield. The armour was old with patches of rust splattered throughout but someone had obviously taken great care to polish it back to much of its former glory. The shield was made of green and brown wood and on the front of it Tyrgram had painstakingly painted the image of a butterfly with firm yet amateurish skill and not the best of paint. Combined with his youthful visage, tanned skin and farmboy presence, he looked the very image of what a child would imagine a knight would look like.
Though Tyrgram did not expect it, he was content to travel in group. Seizing each of them up, he wondered what reasons they could have to be out on the open road.
After trudging from cave through forest and into Phandalin, Tyrgram was looking forward to sleeping in a comfortable bed. But call to adventure is greater still and upon spotting the job board, he briskly walked over to it to see what quests needed done.
EDIT: added a backstory to my character sheet. Is this something others can see or do I need to add it in the original thread or in pm?
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Survival, to see if he's fetching anything else with him... 18Roscoe was very happy to be returning home to Phandalin, especially with his new friends. Friends are good, especially those who travel, for they bring news, trade, and recipie ideas...He waits patiently while Tyrgram looks at the Job Board, since the Stonehill Inn was the big building just over there...Wrong thread, I take my leave
Krov was a large, buff and scar filled black dragonborn. His appearence wasnt the best, his clothes all thorn up, he seemed like he never slept inside a home or never seen a bed. He was used to sleeping in rough enviornment, honestly caves were the best he ever had, so he was pretty confortable thru all that. Strangely enough he had company and he didnt mind it at all, tho he did not sleep nor drop his weapon at any time, he swore to fight evil and thats what he was going to do, he could not let his new strange friends be harmed by... him.
Once they reached the town, Krovs eyes glowed with excitement, he was amazed by all those people peacefuly working and interacting with each other, all those people safe from evil. Krov always stood a little in the back, didnt talk much only saying a few simple words and short sentences. If... anything... were to attack them he was ready to defend the innocent.
Krov waited patiently keeping an eye out for any trouble as tyrgram looked at the job board.
not from this campaign.
Always looking for new pbp campaigns. Msg me if u need a player.
Chars and campaigns:
Krov - Black Dragonborn Barbarian - lvl 2 - dragon of icespire peak, from the north
Erevan revelled in the time spent on the road. Cave, rain, forest, it didn't matter. He was seeing the wider world. He had slept well in the cave, compared to the others anyway. Perhaps these people were not used to sleeping outside. At least two seemed quite uncomfortable in these natural surroundings. Strange he thought to himself, how could people not find pleasure in the beauty of nature?
Phandalin offered new experiences for Erevan too, for he had always skirted the edges of cities. Never sure of what to expect, or even what was expected of him. Hopefully his travelling companions will offer some insight as to what to expect.
He walks along the path into town with wide eyes and an open, yet cautious, mind. This should prove interesting.
What an adventure Chom was having! Battling the elements, trekking through lush forests, and most importantly, making new friends! The robed wizard, surely a master of his craft! The brave knight, sure to make heads turn in his gleaming armor! The fearsome dragonborn, no doubt battle-hardened and ready for anything! The orc-ish bard, able to make crowds laugh and cry on a whim! An elf of the wilds, the perfect comrade for exploring all the nooks and crannies of Faerun. And Roscoe... Chom hadn't had time to converse with his remaining companion... but had no doubt he would be an excellent companion!
The gnome runs up to Whiskey as he grumbles, grabs his dirty sleeve, and snaps his fingers. Instantly, the garment is restored to its former glory. "Happy to be of service!", he says as he runs ahead to inspect the board with Tygram. He hops up and down with excitement as the knight reads, chattering at a near-constant drone. "What does it say? What does it say?"
I can read it.
There are three notices on the board.
Dwarf prospectors had found ancient dwarven ruins in the mountains to the southwest of here and have begun an archaeological dig for treasure and relics. They need to be warned that a white dragon has moved into the area. Take the warning to them, then return to Townmaster Harbin Wester to collect a reward of 50 gp.
The local midwife - an acolyte of Chauntea named Adabra Gwynn - lives by herself in a stone windmill on the side of a hill a few miles south of Phandalin. With dragon sightings becoming common, it's not safe for her to be alone. Urge Adabra to return to Phandalin. Once she's safe, visit Townmaster Harbin Wester to claim a reward of 25 gp.
A clan of reclusive rock gnomes resides in a small network of caves in the mountains to the southeast. The gnomes of Gnomengarde are known for their magical inventions. They might have something with which to defeat the dragon. Get whatever you can from them. If you bring back something useful and don't want to keep it for yourselves, Townmaster Harbin Wester will pay you 50 gp for it.
Erevan trots over to the notice board. Standing next to Tyrgram he also looks over the available notices.
"Mr Chomsky, there seems to be some other gnomes nearby. Apparently they may be able to supply a magical item to help in the fight against a dragon or some such. Perhaps you could act as a mediator if we were to visit them. What do you think?" Erevan kneels next to Chomsky to better look him in the eyes whilst talking to him. "Although, going to see the midwife might be a quicker trip"
(OoC: They're the two quests I think we could handle at level 1. The Dwarven dig may have unearthed some higher level monsters. We should leave that one till last until we see how well we handle battles)
Tyrgram took a moment to read and mull over what was pinned to the board. All three had just cause to be picked over the other, especially with the mention of a dragon - his heart fluttered for a moment - but one of them appealed to his sense of righteousness over the others.
'I say we aid the midwife first.' He said firmly. 'She is on her own whereas the Gnomes and Dwarves still have strength in numbers and their caves and ruins to seek refuge in.'
The corners of Tyrgram's mouth curled slightly upwards. 'Damsel in distress: classic.'
Are you saying that the Dwarves delved too greedily and too deep? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
"Dragons and dwarves? Dragons and midwives? Dragons and gnomes? The last one has a nice ring to it, don't you think? I've read lots of books on dragons, oh yes! Wouldn't call myself an expert though, oh no! Even less so on midwifery! Completely justified in leaving Candlekeep! Not one, but three dragon-related adventures to choose, yes indeed!
The gnome stops for a brief second, panting slightly as he catches his breath. He looks around the assembled group, puzzled for a second, before he realises they were actually seeking his opinion. "So sorry! Tyrgram is right, damsel in distress! Mustn't let her get eaten!"
He winks at his human companion, then snaps his fingers, summoning a small hawk in a puff of smoke. "Horace! We're going on a midwifery adventure! Be sure to take notes, you never know when we might have to deliver a baby!" The hawk cocks its head to one side, and you could almost swear you saw it roll its eyes.
You tear down the notice and head south. It takes you about an hour before you come upon a hill that rises to 20 ft on the right side and to 40 ft on the left.
You can just make out small stone piles on the rise to the left.
On the right you can see a short, small wall and most of a stone windmill, maybe three stories tall. It is weathered and appears to have been there a long time, but you can not be sure how long from this distance. You can also make out an iron fence encircling both structures and extending beyond.
In roughly the direction of the windmill, you hear what sounds like something heavy pounding on wood and faint growling. As you look, you see a window midway up the side of the windmill facing you open up and a woman lean out, waving her hand. "A little help?!"
Xel-Thoth follows his new found "friends".
In his head, he is already computing the costs and expenses in this endeavor. The great tales he has read in books seldom details the not so heroic actions of adventures. The common day to day things one has to do to survive.
Xel-Thoth ponders the likelihood that an actual dragon is involved in these jobs. Could these villagers be mistaken? Because if a dragon is truly involved then...the excitement the others seem to be experiencing will soon turn to fear.
Tyrgram glanced down at the excited Gnome. 'Did you just...' He started before shutting his mouth. It could not be, could it? He decided to check and closed his eyes for a moment.
'Can you read my thoughts?' Tyrgram thought to himself. 'I'm thinking of... hot potato salad. Hot potato salad. Hot potato salad...'
He peered from the corner of his at the Gnome, curious to see what his reaction would be. But such things would have to wait until later: there was adventure to be had! Taking the note from the board, Tyrgram followed the rest of the group to the location detailed on the paper.
'What seems to be the problem, miss?' Tyrgram yelled back in a loud yet polite tone as he looked around to see what was making the growling and the pounding sounds.
----------------------
If a Perception check is in order: 5
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
While Tyrgram is talking with the lady in the window, Erevan will continue walking along the wall and see if he can look back to the windmill from another angle. Perception14
DM: Do we see what is the source of the growling?
Perception Check: 9
Is everyone still at ground level or have you all walked up the hill to reach the fence?
Umbrage Hill Best I can do to show you the layout. You're coming from the North Side.
Erevan walks along the wall ( to the second gap on the map) and then up the hill to the NE corner of the building.
"A WINDMILL!" Chom squeals with delight as he races up the hill towards the fence. "Such fabulous contraptions! Oh, how I envy you madam, living in such splendor! My hawk and I stand ready to provide assistance! We have not delivered a baby before but are keen to learn! Isn't that right, Horace?" The hawk ruffles its feathers slightly but otherwise ignores its master.