Having returned the bodies of the murdered family to the city, the group was filled with a mix of emotions. Sadness, anger, disappointment, and even guilt. The feeling of victory they had experienced the day before at defeating the wizard and getting the remaining Redbrands to agree to depart, was replaced with...this.

There was only one shrine in town, and with all members of the family now dead, the temple seemed as good a place as any to find out how to go about setting this family to rest. Sister Garaele came to speak with you as you arrived, and agreed to take care of all preparations for the last rites. She even helped to organize some of the other townsfolk to go and retrieve the other bodies that still remained in the Redbrand hideout. The mercenaries were buried without ceremony, at the edge of the woods east of town, and the others in the actual cemetery grounds.

Sister Garaele performed the ceremony herself, including a ritual that would magically consecrate the burial grounds to preserve them.

If there are any particular actions you want to take, or RP you want to work through, for the burial, you're welcome to do so. I can also make a separate thread for that if you want to do a freeform RP there and still progress the storyline here.

---

Sildar has managed to collect the gold that you were offered nearly a week ago for helping him to get here safely. (Everyone receives 50 gp)

Sildar also addresses the group, "I helped with the burials of the Redbrands. I was shocked when they brought 'Glasstaff's body, to learn that he was a man I had called my friend. His name was Iarno Yalbrak. I came here because he had gone missing, assuming he'd been captured by the Redbrands, but today I find out he was behind all of it. I wish we had managed to capture him so that I could personally deliver him to Neverwinter to face judgement. Ultimately, he got what was coming to him, and for that you have my thanks."

"For clearing out the Redbrands, there's another reward, so allow me to share that with you now as well." (everyone receives another 50 gp)

With the dead laid to a peaceful rest, it was time to figure out what was next. There were a number of rumors that different members of the party had heard during their stay here, and others that they were able to find during and after the funeral ceremonies.

Sildar had one more job for you, "We need to find Cragmaw Castle, to rescue Gundren from the Hobgoblin chieftain who captured us, and see if we can find this Black Spider while we're at it. If you can find Gundren and eliminate the goblin threat, there's another five hundred gold in it for you." (For those who weren't around, Gundren was the one who hired the original group to start the adventure, and he and Sildar were ambushed and captured. Goblins kept Sildar in a small cave and was rescued by the group. Gundren was taken by the chieftain of the goblins/hobgoblins, for questioning about a map.)

• Sildar Hallwinter wants the characters to find Cragmaw Castle, search for Gundren Rockseeker, rescue the dwarf, and retrieve his map. (Main quest)
• Qelline Alderleaf has suggested that the characters go to the ruined town of Thundertree and consult with the druid Reidoth, who might know the whereabouts of Cragmaw Castle, Wave Echo Cave, or both. (Side quest that may help with main quest)
• Sister Garaele wants the characters to seek out the banshee, Agatha, in the ruined town of Conybery and ask her about Bowgentle's spellbook. (Side quest, healing potions as reward)
• Daran Edermath wants the characters to find out who is lurking near the ruins at Old Owl Well. (Side quest, kill some undead and hope for loot)
• Townmaster Harbin Wester wants the characters to seek out an ore encampment near Wyvern Tor and chase the ores away from the area. (Side quest, 100g reward to kill some orcs)

This message was last updated by the GM at 05:08, Wed 15 Sept 2021.

Maric thought he would be happy. With the fall of the wizard and the bounty they'd earned, he now had more money than he'd ever seen before. Somehow the feeling paled against the deaths that he felt responsible for.

As the others talked about the campaign, he sat silently, sipping soup from his bowl. Once done, he said, "I would like to visit with a mentor of mine. His name is Reidoth. He too is a druid, though more versed in druidic lore than I am. If you would follow me, he might have some ideas for what we should do next. But I would not split this party. There's something of kindred about us, a brother/sisterhood of blood. I daresay that we've earned our stripes. What say ye?"

"I'm with you. I'd not let Gundren rot in a cell, and from the rumors I hear, this elder of yours might help us with that."

She looks at the others. "Talin, are you in? We could use your magic. Beatrice? Will Maric have to turn into something cute and fuzzy to get you to come along?"

"Hey now!" Maric replied over the rim of his soup bowl.

"Yes, I will see it through to the end."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:47, Wed 21 Apr 2021.

For her part, Betty felt no real despair at the lost villagers. She wasn't acquainted with them, the Redbrand Wizard Glasstaff hadn't really made it possible to rescue them the first time through, and - finally - had they returned to the caves with the condition they were in at the time, there likely would be some of them dead, as well. Most likely including her. Since she was her utmost priority, this was the only acceptable outcome available, it was as simple as that.

With her share of the reward, she'd not only managed to repair her original garment, but had secured a frilly new outfit from the local dressmaker. Well, rather, she'd commissioned it. Finding her style in this world was impossible, but teaching someone to make it would eventually be worth the effort.

"Well, he'd have to be cuter and fuzzier than he currently is, I suppose." Betty retorted in answer to Morgan's taunt. "But, you all are capable fighters, Betty will stick with you until something better comes along."

She takes a delicate bite from her meal and ponders as she chews. "And, that said, I feel that visiting Maric's associate would be the best course of action. Qelline Alderleaf recommended as such, so it seems two bows are launching us toward the same target, I suppose."

Pulling themselves back together after the upsetting deaths of the woodcarver's family, the group set out once more. This time their target was the ruined village of Thundertree in search of Maric's mentor, Reidoth.

As they went, Maric gave them what little information he happened to have of the area from having spoken with his mentor before. Some thirty years ago, Mount Hotenow erupted to the north of Thundertree. The disaster caused a plague of zombies to overrun the area, driving all living creatures away from the area. There was no explanation of the arrival of the zombies, but the druids and other natural protectors in the area saw to the destruction of those zombies over the following few decades.

Whatever the source, a strange magic had permeated the entire area, mutating vegetation and the land itself. Few people have returned the area since, and those who do rarely stay for long, save for Reidoth himself who seeks to keep it free of any other resurgence of evil that may come to claim it.

Gradually, as you approach from the northwest corner, the trail turned to an old, overgrown land winding between dilapidated buildings choked in vines and brush. Ahead of you, in the middle of the settlement, rose a steep hill upon which stands a stone tower with a partially collapsed roof and an adjoining cottage. A dirt road hugs the base of the hill and wends its way between old stone houses, many of which are roofless ruins with interiors open to the weather. Other buildings appear more or less intact. The whole place is eerily silent.

A wooden sign is nailed to a post nearby, reading, "DANGER! Plant monsters AND zombies! Turn back now!"


This message was last edited by the GM at 22:36, Tue 04 May 2021.

"If only we could get them to fight each other, I suppose." Betty laments soflty, just loud enough to be heard by the group.

"Not likely," Maric said. "One would likely fight the other."

It still felt weird to him to pop in and of forms like he did. He was hopeful to get some tutelage from his mentor.

"I hope Reidoth is around. I could use some words of wisdom."

You can see the buildings there on the map. You see the sign, the woods, and the buildings, but that's about it from where you are right now (on the road in the top-left corner).

Morgan scoffs. "Plants? They're rooted down.* No problem. We just shoot them full of arrows and spells. Zombies, we can just fight. Also no problem. Let's go."

Morgan will lead the way to the first building, sword and shield at the ready in case of zombies.

*I know that's not true. You know that's not true. Morgan is certain that this is true. :D

"At least we have a druid." Betty mutters, "But I'd be a lot happier if we also had a cleric. Or at least a priest, I suppose." What Morgan said about the plants rang true to Betty's cultured and learned ears. Still, she moved closer to Maric as she readied her own sword and shield.

Maric looks askew at both Morgan and Betty. "What, you think I've got some special talents that I've yet to use? Just keep your eyes open!"

He seems a bit perturbed at their assumptions.

"Well. Yes. You're a druid," Betty begins, as if reminding Maric of something he's clearly forgotten. "And we haven't fought any plants, yet, so I'd hope you have powers we haven't seen yet..."

That said, she does as he orders and places her diminutive head on a swivel, bright eyes alert for danger.

"Well, for what it's worth, I have a few spells kept in my back pocket just in case."

He offers both women a shrug and a grin.

When Maric smiled at Morgan, there was a twinge of ... what? Anger? Sadness? Indigestion? "Jealousy?!" Betty scoffed at the internal realization. "Indigestion. Definitely."

Maric made to say something to Betty, but her expression was one he'd never seen before. Gone was his thought. Instead he asked, "Are you alright?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Wed 28 Apr 2021.

Betty starts, then frowns, but fails to conceal a blush. "I ate something that disagreed with me." she says, simply.

Morgan grins, tosses her luxurious hair back over her shoulder, and carries on.

Maric, a wise fellow, shuts his mouth.

"I am eager to find Reidoth. Let us hurry!"

Morgan once more leads the party to the nearest building.

(#1 on the map)

Morgan lead the group to a crumbled stone cottage with no roof, cowering in the shadow of the old trees nearby. Looking inside she sees weeds. Lots and lots of weeds, filling the dirt floor of this once-building.

"Does your mentor often inhabit abandoned ruins, I suppose?" Betty questions as she eyes the overgrowth suspiciously.

Zombies. Zombies and plant monsters... ugh.

"My mentor goes wherever he's needed," Maric said. "I think he's around here somewhere, though. Maybe if we called for him, or looked around some more. When he comes this way, he's usually studying the plants and such, searching for blight."

"Well, we can keep looking."

Morgan will lead the group to the next abandoned building. [Just left of "2"]

These ruined, side-by-side cottages look as though they might have been the homes of prosperous shopkeepers or well-off farmers in their time. All that remains are collapsed walls and piles of debris. Several young trees have grown up in the midst of the ruins.

As Morgan leads the group closer to the bits of brush and trees, a number of tiny creatures jump out. At first it seems like a swarm of preying mantis or some such, but the swarm clusters together forming small bodies of wood-vine-people-things. As you react in shock to their presence and then confusion as to what these things are, hollow claws form at the ends of their arms and they swarm hungrily.



There are least 6 of these things, and they're all around you, so everyone is in melee range of at least one, if not more.

21:01, Today: Psynister rolled 17,11,8,14,15 using d20+3,d20+2,d20+2,d20,d20+1.  Party Initiative: Beat, Mari, Morg, Tali, Monsters.

Round 1: Beatrice is the only one who beat them on initiative, so Beatrice can post her action, everyone else wait. I'll recap Betty along with the twig blights and then we'll flow into all of you, all of them, and so forth.

[OOC: Well, shit, maybe not. Can't hold the party up! :) -Ken]

Betty whips out her rapier with lighting efficiency. "Maric! I've NO idea how to fight these things!" she calls, and though her gut instinct tells her that her piercing attack may do little damage, if any, to such creatures, she stabs at one anyway.

As anticipated, the rapier bounces off one of the creature's limbs ... hah! ... and does no real damage. Betty swears and growls. "MARIC!", she implores.

[OOC: Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 7,10 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((2,7)).
Re-roll 1s with Halfling Luck. So, what do I do? Roll a 2.
<sigh> -Ken]

"I'm on my way!"

Beatrice drew out her rapier and stabbed at the little plant-creature-things, but they were light on their feet and had gaps in their viney bodies, making it difficult for her aim to be true. (miss)

The twig creatures then reached their targets with their hollow-needle claws.

The first struck true at Morgan, the warrior only barely parrying the claws enough to keep them from sinking into her skin where she could only imagine it would then start feeding on her lifeblood. (Morgan takes 2 Piercing damage)

The next tries for the warrior woman's other leg, but it's claws are thwarted by the rings of chain mail armor and it has to fight to free its claws from the interlocking chains. (miss)

Two more of the creatures go after Beatrice, but none of our heroes was surprised to see that she dodged attacks from little creatures just as easily as she did larger ones, and the halfling remained unharmed. (miss and miss)

Maric was in his elven form, which he had grown unaccustomed to fighting in as of late, but he was still able to keep the little creature at bay with the butt of his spear as the shock and surprise of this ambush seemed to have heightened his reaction time. (miss)

Talin was not quite so lucky, as his attention had been mostly on things outside of the buildings since he was watching the rear and there was little room for him to join the others inside. With no armor to protect him either, the creature's claws stabbed into the warlock's calf and pulsed as it fed. (4 damage to Talin)


Round 1: Everyone can post actions now, including Beatrice.




10:05, Today: Psynister rolled 20,4 using d20+3,d4+1.
10:05, Today: Psynister rolled 9,3 using d20+3,d4+1.
10:05, Today: Psynister rolled 14,4 using d20+3,d4+1.
10:05, Today: Psynister rolled 15,5 using d20+3,d4+1.
10:05, Today: Psynister rolled 14,2 using d20+3,d4+1.
10:05, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Twig Blight, rolled 18,2 using d20+3,d4+1.  Claw Attack.

Maric calls forth a Flame Blade (2nd lvl spell 3d6 dmg)

Rolled 13 to attack

11 pts dmg if successful

Morgan tries to slash one of the creatures attacking her, but her blade just misses. However, she uses her shield to knock the twig blight that scratched her back away from her.

Action: Attack, just missed
Bonus Action: Shield bash to shove away, Athletics/Acrobatics DC22 to resist

10:22, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Athletics/Shield Bash bonus action.

10:21, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 12,12 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  attack twig blight.

Betty fends off the creepy wood-things attacks, a blur of shield and sword and lace and ruffle, her heeled boots clicking and scuffing along the ground as she danced her way through combat. She saw an opening and struck, attacking in such a way so as to lessen the chances her delicate blade would become trapped between branches and twigs.

[OOC: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 17,9 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 (Attack, Damage)]

0

Morgan finds no more success in harming these things than Beatrice had. However, she did manage to slam her shield into one and send it flying back, putting some distances between them. (Shove succeeds)

Maric on the other hand, summons a blade made of pure molten fire. He carved into one of the creatures, splitting its poorly constructed body cleanly in half and causing both sides to burst into ash almost instantly. (Twig Blight 4 is dead)

Talin summons a protective layer of cold magic that covers his body. (casts Armor of Agathys)

Beatrice fends off the creepy wood-things attacks, a blur of shield and sword and lace and ruffle, her heeled boots clicking and scuffing along the ground as she danced her way through combat. She saw an opening and struck, landing true and destroying the foe. (Twig Blight 3 is dead)

TB 1 gets through Morgan's armor at last, stabbing the claws into her leg. (4 damage to Morgan)
TB 2 goes after Beatrice, but has no luck against the more agile halfling. (miss)
TB 3 is dead.
TB 4 is nothing but ash.
TB 5 attacks Talin, landing another slash against the unarmored warlock. The protective spell he'd just cast keeps him protected, however, as the claws sudden slam into a layer of ice and you watch the twig creature shrivel, grey, and fall over dead. (TB 5 dies for Armor of Agathys)
TB 6 tries for Talin, but hesitates at the sight of its flash-frozen companion. (miss)

From out of the foliage nearby, two more twig blights join the fight.

TB 7 joins the attack on Beatrice, but it is no match for her agility either. (miss)
TB 8 goes for the warlock's legs, but misses.

Round 2: The notes on the right side of the chart below show you which ones are in melee range of who.





23:56, Today: Psynister rolled 5,3 using d20+3,d4+1.  Claw Attack.
23:56, Today: Psynister rolled 10,3 using d20+3,d4+1.  Claw Attack.
23:56, Today: Psynister rolled 5,4 using d20+3,d4+1.  Claw Attack.
23:56, Today: Psynister rolled 20,3 using d20+3,d4+1.  Claw Attack.
23:56, Today: Psynister rolled 10,2 using d20+3,d4+1.  Claw Attack.
23:56, Today: Psynister rolled 22,4 using d20+3,d4+1.  Claw Attack.
23:46, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Twig Blight, rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  Acrobatics.

Maric's invigorated by the damage done to the Twig Blight, follows up with another swing of his flame blade.

Attack roll: 10

Damage: 9 on the next nearest Twig Blight.

Seeing that knocking the creatures back was not really effective, as it just came back, Morgan focused her energy on attacking, putting on a burst of speed to slash at the two twig blights closest to her.

Action: attack, hit for 7 slashing damage
Action Surge: attack, hit for 11 slashing damage

22:34, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 16,11 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  Action surge attack/damage with sword.

22:34, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 19,7 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  attack/damage with sword.

Thankful that his magical armour killed the creature, He takes stock of the situation and noting the hesitation i one of the monsters he fires an eldritch  blast at twig blight 8 which has just recently missed his legs

OOC 12:09, Today: Talin rolled 7 using 1d10.  Damage .


12:08, Today: Talin rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch blast to hit
This message was last edited by the player at 11:11, Sat 15 May 2021.

Noting the battlefield conditions, Betty leaves Twig Blight 2 to Morgan, and focuses her attentions on Twig Blight 7. "I'm gonna turn you into toothpicks!" she warns, lashing out with her blade. The attack strikes true, and her prediction proves accurate as the Twig Blight shatters into a spray of wood splinters. She smiles contently and looks for another target.

[OOC: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 24,12 using 1d20+5,1d8+4 ((Attack,Damage)).

MAN! What a time to JUST miss on a CRIT! -Ken]

0

Morgan redoubled her efforts on attacking the creatures, giving up on batting them away with the shield. She cleaved two of them with ease, clearing out the ones nearest to her. (TB 1 & 2 are dead)

Maric swung his flaming blade, but the little creature was too agile for him this time around, and the sword left a seared line in the nearby wall instead. (miss)

Talin tried to blast one with eldritch energy. The drawback of using ranged attacks in close quarters though, was that aiming was more difficult since it was easier to dodge, and the blast kicked up rocks and dirt as it slammed into the flooring. (Miss, ranged attacks when you are within 5 ft of an enemy gives Disadvantage on the attack)
12:46, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Talin, rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Disadvantage.

Beatrice turns to find a target and stabs the one nearest to her. The attack strikes true, and her prediction proves accurate as the Twig Blight shatters into a spray of wood splinters and leafy vines. (T7 is dead)

The plant creatures show no sign of stopping simply because the majority of their number had been decimated. Both of them attack Talin with their hollowed claws, but neither can find purchase.
TB 6 misses.
TB 8 misses.

Round 3: The notes on the right side of the chart below show you which ones are in melee range of who. You all have room and speed to maneuver into range of the other two, though.




12:50, Today: Psynister rolled 9,5 using d20+3,d4+1.  Claw Attack.
12:50, Today: Psynister rolled 4,2 using d20+3,d4+1.  Claw Attack

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:49, Sun 16 May 2021.

Drawing his mace from his belt, he swings at the creature



OOC, 20:51, Today: Talin rolled 5 using 1d8.  Mace damage.

20:51, Today: Talin rolled 19 using 1d20.  Mace
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Sat 15 May 2021.

Morgan gives a battlecry as the two twig blights attacking her are destroyed, and she seems to have more vitality from the effort.

She moves to Talin's side and swings Talon at one of the creatures attacking the Warlock, slicing into it.

Bonus Action: Second Wind, heal 10 points (back to full hp)
Action: Attack whichever twig blight Talin didn't, hit for 8 slashing

06:37, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 13,8 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  attack/damage with sword.

06:36, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 10 using 1d10+3.  Second Wind.

Morgan and Talin finish off the two remaining twig blights, and the area is still once more.

Combat is over.

"Who needs healing?" Maric asks.

"Hmph." Betty scoffs, "Those creepy little things couldn't even touch me, I suppose." She concludes as she slings dust and twig-parts from her rapier before sheathing it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:21, Sun 16 May 2021.

"Lass, as cute as you are in your underwear, I asked 'who needs healing.' Now, if you don't need healing, than you don't need to speak up. I'm only asking for the wounded. Thank you for your help though."

There's a large element of humor in what he says, but he is ready to heal if need be.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:22, Sun 16 May 2021.

Giving himself the once over, I dont think I’m injured

Morgan laughs. "I'm fine. They scratched me up a bit, but nothing serious. These little things were nothing compared to those bugbears we fought."

OOC: Second Wind is maybe my favorite thing about playing a Fighter in 5E. :D

"I wouldn't think a plant has treasure, but let's look around a bit, see what we may in this space. Does this look like a good place to button down, a base of sorts as we explore the area?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Sun 16 May 2021.

A search of the area is not hard to do, so wo little to get through save vegetation. Twig Blights having treasure? Nah, not very likely at all. The people who used to live here, though? Well, that's another question entirely. On the far side of the tree that had grown into the middle of the building you'd just fought in, you see that the trees roots had pushed up the few pieces of flagstone that remained from the original floor. Curious of what might be hiding beneath, Maric lifts one for a peek and discovers a wooden chest.

The chest has no lock and the lid is partially open, revealing a large collection of coins.

700 cp, 160 sp, 90 gp

"Well, isn't that nifty!"

700 cp
160 SP
90 gp

Maric, content with his lot, will take the short coin: 22 gold everyone else gets 23gp
Silver is 40 silver for everyone.
Maric, with some foresight, keeps a handful of copper for the poor in town.

"If anyone wants the coppers, have at it. Be careful of your encumbrance though."

Betty tried to play off the comment, "Yeah? You should see me naked. Too bad you won't. Idiot."

Internally, though, her mind raced. Cute? He thinks I'm cute?? She stopped herself short of blushing. He thinks I'm cute!!

She could feel her heart flutter ... just for a moment.

Yeah. We'll see how cute he thinks I am when I murder him in his sleep.

She concealed her smile well as she wandered over to where he was counting the money. "Well, I suppose that's something for our troubles. Let's get a move on. If your friend is here, he should've heard that commotion, I suppose."

"When we get back to town, we might want to trade some coin for gems. Keep our weight limits for our weapons. Just a thought."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:46, Mon 17 May 2021.

I agree, carrying around gold is not only heavy but asking for trouble. Even with gems we risk losing it if we get robbed. Maybe we can find somewhere to safely store our spoils

"No one's robbing us while I have anything to say about it. Well, I suppose if they put magical encachantlements on us? I've heard magic can do things like that. But if they just try brute force, let me at them."

She thinks for a moment. "I suppose I could buy a nice necklace or something to store the wealth on me."

OOC: Are we taking a short rest, or pressing on? I'm good to go on.

"That's a good idea. Maybe I can visit my mother and present something that she will like."

After distribution of spoils, Maric suggests, "Let's push a bit further, see if we can find Reidoth."


"I hope you're right, Madam Thornhall," Maric said. "I am getting a bit worried. Let's see if we can find evidence that he's been here."

(I just realized the map squares are 10x10 instead of 5x5, so scale has changed.)

Moving on to the next building along the path, the group finds a building with a weathered signboard by the door of a large building, showing the faded image of a workhorse holding a flagon of ale. The building is sagging and dilapidated, but more intact than the ruins across the road.

As Morgan ducks her head inside to have a look around, a whiff of spent campfire ash hits her nose, and glancing down at shapes against the walls and floors, she sees a number of charred corpses. Almost as if her eyes landing on them were a trigger, the corpses shook and shuddered, as they began to climb to their feet.

Morgan reflexively reeled back at the sight of the zombies, startling Maric and Beatrice to the presence of...something.

Talin, however, seemed to have almost an extra sense telling him that something waited inside.

Talin has a chance to act before the zombies





12:40, Today: Psynister rolled 5,4,10,19,13 using d20+3,d20+2,d20+2,d20,d20-2.  Party Initiative: Beat, Mari, Morg, Tali, Monsters.

OOC: Because of course you couldn't roll a one for me! lol -Ken]

Maric goes feral, turns into a Brown Bear: bonus action

Rushes into the building and attacks the nearest bogey

Rolled attack: 19 & 20 neither were crits I don't think, but both hit.

Damage given was 5 + 11 = 16 pts of damage.

Talin casts eldritch blast at the most viable zombie target

OOC -22:22, Today: Talin rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Blast . 

Talin, eager not to shot his companions in the back of the head, takes careful aim through the doorway. With everyone jumpy from the surprise of the zombies' presence, aiming was near impossible and he took a chunk out of the doorway instead. miss

The zombies stood and closed in around Morgan. They did not move very fast, allowing only two of them to get close enough to be within reach.

Zombie 1 sees a congested doorway, and stumbles out through a door on the north side.
Zombie 2 reaches Morgan and slams a hand into the fem warrior's shoulder. There were no fingers left on the charred hand. (2 dmg to Morgan)
Zombie 3 finds its way within reach as well, and grasps in Morgan's direction, but ineffectually. (miss)
Zombie 4 moves toward Morgan as well, but fails to raise its arms soon enough to strike.






This message was last edited by the GM at 23:36, Fri 21 May 2021.

This message was deleted by the player at 08:00, Sun 23 May 2021.

Morgan and Talin can post actions, then I'll do another recap, and then we'll be in position for people to post all actions together.

Morgan is inside the door, and other entrances are only on other sides of the building, so fighting through a doorway is going to be a challenge for the other melee people.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:37, Fri 21 May 2021.

Drawing his mace, he decides to forgo magic for a while and joins his friends in the melee

OOC  08:51, Today: Talin rolled 8 using 1d8.   08:51, Today: Talin rolled 7 using 1d20. Mace ]

Morgan launches into action, slashing wildly with her blade, then using her shield to make some room for the others to get into the hovel.

Action: attack zombie directly north of me (not sure which number that one is), hit for 11 slashing, Sweeping Attack deals 2 damage to zombie in the corner.
Action Surge: attack zombie directly north of me for 7 more damage, Sweeping Attack deals 3 more damage to zombie in the corner.
Bonus Action: Shield Bash to shove zombie directly north of me back 5', Str(Ath) or Dex(Acro) DC 25 to resist.
Move Action: move into space vacated by zombie (assuming my shield bash works.

19:12, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  shield bash to shove.

19:12, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 3 using 1d8.  Sweeping Attack damage on adjacent zombie.

19:12, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 21,7 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  Action surge attack/damage.

19:11, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 2 using 1d8.  Sweeping Attack damage on adjacent zombie.

19:11, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 21,11 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  Attack Zombie.

Beatrice takes full advantage of her small size* to duck into the doorway with Morgan, and slashes out at the walker to her right.

[OOC: *Racial Ability: Halfling Nimbleness.
Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 17,11 using 1d20+5, 1d8+3 - Attack, Damage]

Morgan slashes the zombie in front of her, cleaving into its charred and rotten flesh. The blade cuts deep, slices through and then into the body of its neighbor. A cloud of ash bursts out around the zombies' bodies as the blade cuts in. Morgan reflexively closes her eyes and coughs just a bit, but seems otherwise unhindered by the ash. (11 damage to Z2, 3 damage to Z3) The warrior then shoved her target back and moved into its space, opening a gap for the others to move in.

22:52, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Zombie, rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Athletics.
22:51, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Morgan Ironwolf, rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Con Save.
22:48, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Morgan Ironwolf, rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Con Save.

Beatrice moves in and stabs the zombie on the right, sinking the blade in a good six inches or more as the zombie flesh has less resistance than most of her targets. (Z4 takes 11 damage) Ashes burst forth from this zombie's flesh as well, creating a cloud around the monster. Beatrice chokes on the ashes as one of the zombies charred organs falls down and lands directly in her face. Morgan turns at the sound of Betty's cough and reflexively takes a breath of her own, causing her to take a deep breath of the ashes as well. (Betty & Morgan, you both have Disadvantage on all Attacks, Saves, and Skills for the next Minute. At the end of your turn, you can make a Con Save DC 10 to end the effect.)

22:57, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Beatrice Thornhall, rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Con Save.
22:57, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Morgan Ironwolf, rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Con Save.

Bearic couldn't see what had caused the coughing, but he rushed into the doorway and attacked the zombies. A huge bear claw tears into Z4, ripping chunks of the torso away, then bites down on its face to finish it off. (16 damage to Z4...)

The zombie crumbled in the bear's jaws, and Maric let the body fall - only the body didn't fall, it stood and growled. (You see now that the ash effect seems to happen the first time the zombie takes damage, but only the first time, and bursts out in a 5 ft cloud. Also, killing them doesn't necessarily kill them.)

23:04, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Zombie, rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Con Save.

Talin decides he wants to swing a weapon for once, and closes in. There's no room to get through the door, but the zombie's arms are ever-reaching for flesh to grab onto, so he takes a swing at the exposed arm. The mace connects, but only with mostly-destroyed flesh and simply knocks a piece off, leaving a small pile of char where it bounces off the ground below. (miss)

Zombie 1 rushes around the building, but luckily for our heroes, zombies don't move all that quickly.

Zombie 2 recovers from being shoved and slams an arm into Morgan's shield. (miss)
23:13, Today: Psynister rolled 11,4 using d20+3,d6+1.  Slam attack.

Zombie 3 tries for the fighter as well, neither zombie apparently capable of realizing that Morgan is not her shield. (miss)
23:13, Today: Psynister rolled 11,4 using d20+3,d6+1.  Slam attack.

Zombie 4 retaliates against the beast, landing a clothesline swing against Bearic's hide. (4 damage to Bearic)
23:14, Today: Psynister rolled 18,4 using d20+3,d6+1.  Slam attack.

Round 2 - Fight!

"Oh what..." <cough> "In the bloody..." <cough, gag> "HELL!" Betty manages, horking a gob of ash, saliva and snot out of her mouth in a most unladylike manner. She quickly blinks the remaining dust from her eyes and lashes out at the nearest standing empty.

Once she has a moment to think (and breathe) clearly, she quickly wipes the ash from her eyes with the back of her hand.

[OOC: Going last in the round, Betty'll strike at whomever's left after the rest of the party strikes, but will prioritize wounded ones over non-wounded ones.
Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 16,13,11 using 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d8+3 ((Attack, Attack, Damage)).
Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 16,15 using 1d20+4,1d20+4 ((CON Save)).

Bearic (nice!) goes with the Bite/Claw/claw

His attack rolls are 10 bite & 8 Claw x 2

I'm thinking that misses, but perhaps I'm wrong.

15 pts dmg for the claw

6 pts for the bite.

Seeing Zombie one approaching slowly to the rear of the party Talin moves quickly to intercept, swinging mace ready for a big blow

12:29, Today: Talin rolled 1 using 1d8.  Mace damage. – [roll=1621942161.14499.313236]  12:28, Today: Talin rolled 13 using 1d20.  Mach. – [roll=1621942139.60642.313236]

Morgan coughs and sputters as the dust of the dead gets in her mouth, nose, and eyes, but her combat reflexes serve her well, and she manages to strike the zombie in front of her. She gives a yell as she clears her lungs of dust, striking with a bit more force and drawing attention away from Betty for a moment.

OOC: Hit despite disadvantage (15 total damage on zombie 2), saved despite disadvantage, using a maneuvering strike to allow Beatrice to move (if she wishes) without drawing AoO.

22:11, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 2 using 1d8.  Maneuvering Attack Superiority Die.

22:09, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 16 using 2d20+4, dropping the highest dice only.  Con save (DC 10).

22:08, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 13 using 1d8+6.  damage.

22:08, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 22 using 2d20+6, dropping the highest dice only.  attack (disadvantage).

Morgan, served well by her combat reflexes, manages to strike the zombie in front of her. She gives a yell as she clears her lungs of dust, striking with a bit more force and drawing attention away from Betty for a moment. (13 damage to Z2, successful save vs ash)

Beatrice managed to clear enough of the ash to aim her blade, relying on skill and muscle memory to do the rest as she struck true and used the opening Morgan gave her to reposition. The zombie who took the blow seemed as if it were going to collapse, only to catch itself and raise back to a standing position once more. (Beatrice "kills" Z2, who then remains standing)
21:03, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Zombie, rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Con Save.

Bearic tries to bite and claw his way through the nearest zombie and relieve some of the heat from the others inside the room. His jaws find only charred, rotten flesh that falls away easily (and tastes terrible), but the claws find better purchase both cutting into the creature and slamming his weight into it. The zombie crumbles to the ground and does not rise again. (Z4 stays dead)
21:07, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Zombie, rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Con Save.

Talin moves to intercept the circling zombie, smacking his mace into the thing's head with a *thud*. It rocks the zombie's head back and sends a cloud of ash out around it. Much like his companions, Talin finds himself coughing with death ash filling his facial orifices. (1 damage to Z1) (Talin, you have Disadvantage on all of your d20 rolls for 1 minute. You can make a Con DC 10 saving throw at the end of each of your turns to try to end it early.)
21:10, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Talin, rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Con Save.

Zombie 1 slams an arm into Talin's side. The impact is completely absorbed by the protective ice spell the Warlock had employed against the Blights, but it uses all of the magical energy to do so. (Talin takes 7, all of which is absorbed by Armor of Agathys, ending the spell as all temp HP are removed, but dealing 5 Cold damage to the zombie).
21:12, Today: Psynister rolled 20,7 using d20+3,d6+1.  Slam attack.

Zombie 2 takes a wild swing at Morgan in retaliation, but by warriors armor and shield are more than a match for such a pathetic attack. (miss)
21:13, Today: Psynister rolled 4,5 using d20+3,d6+1.  Slam attack.

Zombie 3 seems to capitalize on Morgan's attention being split elsewhere, however, and catches her under her sword arm. Armor absorbs most of the impact, but she still gets some wind knocked out of her. (4 damage to Morgan)
21:14, Today: Psynister rolled 18,4 using d20+3,d6+1.  Slam attack.

Zombie 4 is dead-dead.

Round 3 - Go!




This message was last edited by the GM at 02:18, Wed 26 May 2021.

Bearic's all in now and seeks another enemy:

Bite Attack rolled a 7 - based upon last round, 7 missed.

Claw/Claw Attacks rolled Attack of 24

Damage for Claw/Claw was 14 points of damage.

As the zombie in front of her goes down, Morgan turns to attack the one to her flank that just sucker punched her. Her blade slashes the zombie, and as she notices the one that should be re-dead is somehow re-undead, manages to give it a slash as well with the back stroke.

OOC: attack zombie 3, hit for 13 slashing, sweeping attack for 3 damage on zombie 2

13:37, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 17,13,3 using 1d20+6,1d8+6,1d8.  Attack zombie 3, sweeping attack damage on zombie 2.

Betty shouts over the din of combat, as authoritative a voice as she's ever used - something wholly unfamiliar to her fellow party members. "The undead won't stay dead easily! We need to hit them with a powerful strike (critical hit) or blast them with holy-infused damage (radiant)." She slashes at any remaining target, a blow that strikes true, but doesn't sink as deep. She also cautions to squint her eyes and pause her breathing for a moment in case the ash bursts forth again.

When it's safe, she speaks again. "Other than that, we need to get really lucky (they need to fail a CON check), or we're all screwed!"

[OOC: Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 13,7 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((Attack, Damage))]
This message was last edited by the player at 09:10, Wed 26 May 2021.

Morgan turns to attack the zombie to her flank that just sucker punched her. Her blade slashes the zombie, and as she notices the one that should be re-dead is somehow re-undead, manages to give it a slash as well with the back stroke. Both zombies take the hits. The first seems to still be fighting on as thought it were not enough to take it down to start with. The second had barely been holding onto its unlife, but even this blow was not enough to send it to its final rest as it carried on even still. (13 damage to Z3, 3 to Z2. Z2 still stands)
11:14, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Zombie, rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Con Save.

Beatrice calls out what her knowledge and experience have taught her, hoping it might help the others to find a way to bring these animated meat husks down. (7 damage to Z3, and it is dead)
11:18, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Zombie, rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Con Save.

Bearic sees that Betty and Morgan likely have control of the one inside, so he falls back to help Talin with the one outside. He takes Betty's words to heart, putting his weight into the blows along with his strength. (Z1 takes 14 damage and is dead)
11:21, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Zombie, rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Con Save.

Talin nods his thanks to Bearic for killing the zombie, then peers through the door. Seeing one zombie remaining he lines up his fist and unleashes the eldritch energy he's used so many times before. The blast takes the zombie clean in the face, removing bits of flesh and bone, and removing the jaw completely. But the creature fights on. (13 damage to Z2, but it doesn't die.)
11:23, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Zombie, rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Con Save.
11:23, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Talin, rolled 13,13 using d20+5,d10+3.  Eldritch Blast.


Zombie 1 is dead.

Zombie 2 lands a solid blow against Morgan, but her armor and padding absorb the blow completely. Her ribs might be a little sore later, but no lasting damage. Miss
11:25, Today: Psynister rolled 16,7 using d20+3,d6+1.  Slam attack.

Zombie 3 is dead.

Round 4 - Go!


The zombie still inside is the only one left, and he's not going anywhere, so the map won't matter at this point. You have 1 target left.

Bearic returns to Maric form. Also peeks inside, keeps watch to see if Morgan and/or Betty need some help.

"You guys need help?" he calls out.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:34, Mon 31 May 2021.

Betty keeps a watchful eye on the remaining Zombie in case Morgan is unable to dispatch it. In the meantime, she responds to Maric. "Everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you. How are you?"

[OOC: I'll reserve Betty's attack until after Morgan posts, at least, to see if Betty needs to attack after all. -Ken]

"Would you stay dead, already? How many times do I need to kill you?" Morgan's frustration at the undead creature's resilience lends fury to her slash. But will it be enough?

Action: attack, hit for 11 damage, nothing special this time to go with the attack.

08:47, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 24,11 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  attack zombie.

As Morgan completes her attack, Betty strikes the corpse, too. Either to ensure it's death, or to strike it again if it reanimates. The slash pierces rotten flesh, sliding out again easily.

[OOC: Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 13,5 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((Atack, Damage)). Maybe a double CON save will fail, or maybe it'll add disadvantage to a single CON save? -Ken]

"It doesn't sound like your fine! Do you need a hand? I'll be happy to help!"

"Uh, uh... negative, negative. We had a zombie leak here now. Give us a few minutes to lock it down. Large leak, very dangerous." Betty retorts.

"Well call me if you need me!"

Maric goes back into beast mode, pushes forward to where Morgan and Betty are fighting the lone zombie.

Morgan cleaves into the zombie's ribs, the blade sinking deep. The creature starts to fall, jerks as if to keep on yet again, then crumbles to the ground unmoving.
23:28, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Zombie, rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Con Save.

Combat is over. Good job

"See?" Betty says, looking to where Bearic has entered the scene. She slings the zombie ichor from her thin silver blade and sheathes it. "Easy peasy, lemon squeezy, I suppose."

Morgan kicks the finally still corpse. "And stay down, you."

She also cleans her blade, and wipes more of the zombie dust from her hair and armor. "I don't know about you, but I could use a breather. I've never fought zombies before. I had no idea that they were so hard to kill."

"No kidding." Betty says, shaking dust from her clothes and hair as well. "A breather and a bath." She smacks her mouth, the taste still mingling with her saliva. "And maybe some mouthwash."

Bearic lets out an exasperated "RAWERARR." Then he shambles off in disgust.

Finally Talin shakes his head i worked up far too much a of a sweat here

Maric stays Bearic for the time being.

Betty ambles over and scritches the massive bear wherever she can happen to reach. Which is likely about ankle level.

Bearic plops over on his side, careful to not crush Betty. His tongue lolls as she scritches him.

After catching her breath and washing as much of the dust away as she can, Morgan is ready to go.

OOC: 06:23, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 11 using 1d10+2.  one hit die of healing.

All healed up, abilities recharged.

Bearic climbs back to his feet, huffs and slobbers before looking at the others as if asking, "What's next?"

As you carry on down the path to the next location, you find a small house that appears to be in better condition than the ruined and dilapidated structures nearby. The doors are reinforced with heavy iron bands, and thick shutters protect the windows. As you near the door, Bearic lets out a huff followed by several quick sniffs.

"Hmm, looks like someone might be home here. Should we knock? I'll keep an eye out for anything that might come crawling out of the next ruined home."

OOC: Morgan is wary of house 5, since it appears trashed.

Bearic chuffs and then breaks into a loping jog. He halts at the door, but scratches at it as if trying to gain someone's attention.

"Let's hope he's used to having a bear come calling, I suppose." Betty says with a shrug of her delicate shoulders.

I’m not hopeful of receiving a warm welcome here, although I’d be happy to be proved wrong And readies himself e possibility of another fight

A gaunt, white-bearded human opens the door. He looks concerned at seeing the party standing there, but gives a half-smile when he sees the bear. "Maric? Hurry!" He moves aside and rushes you all into his shelter, then gives a warry look around outside before closing the door once again.

He looks at the bear proudly, "You've grown." The look fades quickly as he returns to business, however, "There are spiders here. Zombies, blights, and folk in black cloaks wearing masks to the east. And now, there's a green dragon in the tower. I suggest you flee, quickly, before you're all killed."

Betty remains uncharacteristically silent to allow Maric to direct the conversation.

Reidoth cast a spell of some sort, though it had no visual effect, "Why have you come? Something for me? From me?"

"I came to find you, sir. We vanquished the Red bands, and the wizard, but now find ourselves at a bit of an impasse. Thought you might be able to help point us in a new direction. That said, it seems you could use a hand. Is there anything we can help you with?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:19, Sun 13 June 2021.

"New direction? To where?"

"For one thing, getting you to safety," he said.

Reidoth continues to stare at Maric waiting for an answer.

"Sir, are you alright? This place is dangerous. We can help get you out of here."

"I can get myself to safety. You said you need direction - to where?"

"We are looking for the next quest or mission. Can you help with that?"

Reidoth stood silent for a moment, the look on his face showing suspicion or confusion, like he was trying to figure out if you were speaking a riddle to him, "If you can drive off the dragon, I'll see what I can do."

"Reidoth, sir, we have defeated the mercenaries and killed the wizard in Phandalan. There's supposed to be something else for us to do...although the green dragon seems a bit beyond us. Is that beast a young dragon? If not, I'd prefer to use our skills for something more palatable. Are there any such quests that would be more easily achieved, say finding the source of the zombies and other assorted strange creatures that seem to have taken over this area?"

"Young, yes. Hit him hard and fast, he may flee and not return. Fail in that, you could all die. Zombies and blights have been here for decades. They are dangerous, but mostly a nuisance. I have kept their numbers manageable for twenty years, they matter not. The men in black are new, I know only of their presence, not who they are or why they're here."

"I knew the people of Phandalan required help. It's why I sent you. I know nothing of their struggles or the quests you have faced up to this point. Mercenaries and a wizard, you say? Sounds like you've been busy, but that's the first I've heard of them. If you need help with your current quest, ask me a question that I can answer. If you only came here in search of something new to do, I have a dragon and I have men in black." He held out his two hands at the two options, with a shrug of his shoulders as if to say, 'This is what I've got, what more do you want?'

Does anybody remember what you're here to ask the druid?

Surprisingly (or, perhaps, not), Betty speaks up. "Forgive my rather dense compatriots. The dust from the zombies must be clouding their brains as well as their eyes, I suppose." She steps forward boldly, addressing the elder druid. "We were wondering if you perhaps know the whereabouts of Cragmaw Castle, Wave Echo Cave, or both?"

[OOC: Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 19 using 1d20-1.  INT check.

Heh, sometimes it pays off to roll, even if you have a -1! :D]

Talin tries not to look offended by being called dumb but as he had actually forgotten why they had come to see the Druid, he only ends up looking slightly more silly .

The druid swung his head toward Betty, his bushy eyebrows raising, "Now that is something I can help with. I know where to find them both. Cragmaw Castle is but two days' ride south of here." He gives precise directions for finding the castle, using landmarks and routes that Maric is familiar with to help you save time in getting there as well. "Wave Echo Cave became a secret, and has remained so, for a reason. If you can drive the dragon away, I will consider you worthy of knowing its location. If you cannot handle the dragon, you will not fare well in there either."

Betty nods in genuine gratitude, before turning to address her party. "Betty thinks we could kill a few birds in a handful of stones. We have to visit both Cragmaw and the Cave, anyway. Why don't we take on Cragmaw, then the Dragon, then the Cave?" she suggests, ticking off the points on a delicate finger each.

Maric's a bit out of sorts that he didn't know the next objective. Still, there's a target on the horizon, maybe more than one.

Coming out of bear form, he said, "I need rest, preferably a long one. Can we stay here for the day, Master, so that we can recover?"

"If you plan to face the dragon, you can risk it. If not, you'd best leave before dark when the winged beast hunts, or you may be facing him whether you like it or not. Travel at least four-to-five miles, and you should be outside his hunting range. I've managed to elude him only because a squirrel can fit places a dragon cannot, and I know these woods far better than he. If he noticed we're all in here?" Reidoth raised his bushy brows and shook his head to indicate that would be a terrible situation.

Nodding along with Betty's assessment I’m in agreement, Cragmaw first

"Monsters here, monsters there. As long as we're slaying monsters, I don't really mind where we go."

Despite her tough talk, when Reidoth talks of the dragon finding the party in the night, Morgan gulps audibly. Goblins, bugbears, and bandits are one thing. Dragons? That's something she never considered that she'd end up facing.

"Then we should get started, I suppose." Betty says, frowning for reasons-yet-unknown. "We've got miles to go before we can safely rest, a short time to cover that distance, and ... " she trails off, silently acknowledging the hindrance she is putting on the party.

It’s no hindrance Betty, we have faced adversity before and here we are, let’s get moving as time is short He smiles warmly at Betty

"Well, I suppose (as Betty's wont to say) that we can move outside the area and bed down when we get out of the dragon's range. Hopefully I'll be able to get some rest at that point."

"I'll soften your steps as you go. Move quickly, and follow the path we discussed. I'll be here when you return."

Reidoth cast a spell over the group, which you do find provides you with a measure of silent movement as you quietly make your way on to your next destination.

The group bids farewell to the druid for the time being, making their way toward Cragmaw Castle through the route that Reidoth had described to Maric. You make good time and manage to avoid unnecessary obstacles and encounters.

Toward the end of the first evening, some thirty minutes or so before you would set up camp for the night, an odd screeching-growl echoes through woods. It sets your nerves on edge, and the hairs on the back of your necks raise. Maric informs everyone that the sound is that of a pair of mating owlbears, and that interrupting them at such a point would be incredibly dangerous as the beasts were known to enrage.

That night passes without issue (everyone benefits from a Long Rest), and the journey continues on the following day, until you reach the destination of Cragmaw Castle.

"Touch and go with the owl bears," Maric said. "Wouldn't want to disturb their loveplay."

Looking about, Maric notices ruins, broken stone, some brush on the fringes and the like.

"I want to take a look around," he said. "I will be using a skill learned from Reidoth. I won't be long. Wait here."

Mask of the Wild.

Maric makes a circuit of the surrounds being sure to be as quiet possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Tue 22 June 2021.

Maric has a look around.

Maric finishes his exploration and retreats back to the party.

This is what he learned:



"I'd not make a decision without your input. What do you all think?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:37, Wed 23 June 2021.

"I vote for the kitchen route." Betty says, nodding. The sudden grumbling of her stomach gives lie to the tactics that might have been involved in any such decision, but she plays the noise off as if nothing happened. "It's the surest way into the castle and easiest to map, since most castles are laid out rather uniformly, I suppose."

Maric throws Betty one day's worth of trail rations. "Either your hungry, or you've been possessed by an evil spirit."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:55, Fri 25 June 2021.

"Why not both?" Betty responds in a rare moment of non-bitter levity. She eats a couple of small bites of food, before tucking the rations away for later. Then she looks to Morgan and Talin, awaiting their input.

"Why not indeed?" he replied. The laughter is still in his eyes, however.

Morgan draws her sword after readying her shield. "Let's go through the kitchen, then."

Decision made, the group moved to the southern side of Cragmaw Castle, intent to infiltrate via the supposed kitchen door. There you find an overgrown path leading to short passage that climbs up into the wall. A large iron door stands there, sheltered from direct outside attack or line of sight. Arrow slits ten feet above the ground overlook the path leading up to it.

After a few minutes of watching and waiting, the group determines that the arrow slits are not currently being watched, and makes their way to the door. As you try to open it, however, you find the door to be locked.

If anyone has thieves' tools you can try to pick the lock. If not, you can try to force it open with a difficult Athletics check.

"C'mon Morgan, let's do this!"

So saying, Maric counts to 3 and charges in lockstep with Morgan. The combined strength of Maric and Morgan (sounds like a law firm) rends the door asunder. Noting the loud crash, Maric makes ready for a fight.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:43, Sun 27 June 2021.

The door bashed in, Morgan takes a second to roll her shoulder back to relieve the ache a bit. The padding under her chain mail armor absorbed some of the shock, but not all of it. Then she readies her sword for any trouble.

The door flies open, slamming noisily into the wall on the right, followed quickly thereafter by a hollow-echoing sound of roars on the other side of that wall, then slamming sounds against what sounds like is probably another similar door within that tower.

Inside the door you see another door just five feet off to the left, and about twenty-five feet ahead of you the hallway is cut off by a curtain.

"Do you think we should get the others involved?" Maric asked.

Morgan nods, then waves to Betty and Talin to join them. "Let's check out this door first, but keep an eye on that curtain. Something could come to flank us."

Once the others have joined them, Morgan tries listening at the door.

09:00, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

As Morgan sets her ear to the portal, Maric follows suit as well.

20:24, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 14 using 1d20+3 ((11)).

Morgan doesn't have to strain very hard to hear the sounds of goblins speaking, and metal thumping against wood. It sounds like an argument, but not one that's particularly heated.

"Does anyone know Goblin speech?" Maric asks. "I do not."

Betty shakes her head. "I only speak Infernal." It's not at all clear if she's joking, but she continues on, deadpan. "Likely, they're arguing over food. Or wagers. Or who's going to go investigate the cause for the ruckus you two just created, I suppose." She shrugs, readying her weapons for a fight.

"Either way, I suspect we're going to find out sooner rather than later."

"Why not take it to them," Maric asked. "After all, they're only goblinoids."

"We might as well get started. Are we all in?"

Morgan nods at Maric and opens the door.

Trying to decide between using his mace or a spell, Talin settles on his mace and readies himself for the door to be opened

The door opens to reveal seven goblins sitting around tables. Those pointed your direction look when the door opens, and the others see their reactions before turning to look at you as well.

I'm giving the group initiative, so go ahead and post your actions.

Maric swiftly out paces the others, halting before the nearest two goblins to him. He casts Thunderwave, trying to effect as many goblins as possible.

Morgan moves quickly into the room, and swings Talon in a sweeping arc that catches two goblins at once.

OOC:
Move: 10' into the room, between the first and second ranks of goblins.
Attack: hit AC 15 for 7 damage, goblin closest to the door
Sweeping Attack superiority die 2 damage on goblin in the middle rank

08:52, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 2 using 1d8.  Sweeping Attack.

08:52, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 15,7 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  attack/damage.

08:50, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Following Morgan into the room, Talin looks for something to hit with his mace.

Betty moves through where Morgan is standing, and takes up - well, as much as she CAN "take up" - the spot next to her, striking out at the foe her ally is attacking. Her rapier finds purchase, inflicting an annoying wound on her target.

Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 9 using 1d20+3 ((Initiative)).
Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 17,6 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((Attack, Damage)).

Maric rushed into the room, leapt onto the table, and reached a hand up toward the sky. No lightning flashed, but thunder rang out and shook the room. Everyone felt and heard the concussion, shaking walls and floor alike. Four of the five goblins around him are immediately killed, their bodies flying up against walls or across the room. (Goblins 3, 4, 6, 7 are all dead. Goblin 5 takes 8 damage)
15:30, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Maric Arumae, rolled 8 using 2d8.  Thunderwave.


Morgan pushes in and slashes at both of the goblins on the western table. With an expert stroke, the first goblin's head is severed clean, and the blade bites into the other goblin as well. (Goblin 1 is dead, G2 takes 2 damage)

Talin moves in and swings with his mace, but the mace finds no purchase. (miss)
15:46, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Talin, rolled 4,5 using d20+1,d8.  Mace.

Beatrice goes to assist Morgan, impaling the the remaining goblin there. (Goblin 2 is dead)

Goblin 5 retaliates against Maric, before even looking to see what else had happened around him. (Maric is hit for 6 piercing damage) After the attack, the goblin looks over to rally the others, and that's when he sees that only he remains, and the color drains from his brown-green skin.
15:52, Today: Psynister rolled 20,6 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin attack.

Round 2 - kaboom

Maric retaliates: calls forth the flameblade and attacks the goblin!

I think I messed it up.

anger rising has yet another strike misses, he turns his attention to the final goblin and hits out again with his mace

OOC- 05:49, Today: Talin rolled 2,8 using d20+1,d8.  Mace
This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Sun 04 July 2021.

Morgan calmly walks forward and stabs the last goblin through the heart. Morgan's voice is a little too loud, "Well, that's done. Wonder if anyone heard the boom? My ears are still ringing from it."

22:06, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 21,10 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  attack goblin.

Morgan makes quick, easy work of the final goblin.

End of Combat

"Does anyone need healing...besides me?"

If Betty hears Maric's question through the ringing in her ears, she gives no outward sign. Morgan's shout, however - registering barely above normal speaking volume - gets through. "I'd be surprised if they didn't, I suppose. We might want to barricade in here for a bit, better to be ambushers vs. ambushees."

She takes a look around the room for anything out of the ordinary.

Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 19 using 1d20+2 ((Perception)).

Beatrice finds nothing of any particular value in the kitchen. Some poorly cooked food, the low quality weapons and armor of the goblins, and coin equaling:

21:23, Today: Psynister rolled 89 using 1d100.  silver pieces.

"Nothing much worth taking aside from some silver coins." Betty says, "As soon as you're done mewling, Maric, we can decide how to proceed." There is a brief look of concern on her face, despite the snarky comment.

Well, if no one needs healing, I'd like to take some for myself.


23:38, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 9 using 1d8+4 ((5))

No healing required for me Talin shifts the mace in his hand and looks at it closely. Maybe there is something wrong with it, and makes a couple a practice swings

I'm feeling much better now Where's my loot?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:11, Fri 09 July 2021.

"I don't keep track of it!" Betty says with mock seriousness. "Where did you see it last?"

"In your hands. Matter of fact, they're still there. Har, Har, Har..."

Betty chuckles and tosses him his share. "Now, let's decide how we're going to proceed."

"Dragon? Seems like it should have a lot of loot."

"That's foe AFTER the castle, dumbass!" Betty scoffs.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Sat 10 July 2021.

"You seem to be a bit squirrly today, luv," he retorted. "Not enough carbs in your diet?"

East, West, or North via northeastern door?

"Anyone have a suggestion? For my part I wouldn't mind heading north. Then again, I've an affinity for true north. What say you all?"

Betty shrugs, having no preference for any direction.

"Morgan? Talin? Any thoughts?"

"Lead the way, Maric. Or point me in the direction if you'd like me to lead. I'm ready to go if you all are."

OOC: North through the door in this room, or back out and up to the rubble area?

North is as good as any other Talin shrugs we don't have much to go on

"If everyone is of similar opinions, then let's go north. Oh, and Betty, don't think I've forgotten the the insult."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:08, Tue 13 July 2021.

"Good question, Morgan. Let's see what we can of the rubble. Never know what we might find."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:57, Wed 14 July 2021.

"Given the limited capacity of your brain, even I would be surprised if you'd forgotten it that quickly." Betty teases.

As to the question at hand, she shrugs. "I say we explore what we can of the castle, at least what we can reach from within, I suppose. It's been long enough that we don't seem to have raised any alarm, especially in light of that thunderclap." she says, looking pointedly at Maric.

"You have a salient point, little barbarian. I've been known to act first, look second. It is a failure of mine, I must confess."

Listening to the witty banter, Talin keeps silent and eye out for trouble as they travel north

Morgan leads the party back out the door they entered by, and turns north up the hallway, moving slowly and trying to keep her eyes and ears peeled for danger.


09:15, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Perception check.

The party heads back to the east in order to go north through he hallway. They come to a curtain where they listen for signs of adversaries, but find hear nothing. Stepping through the curtain you find yourself in a crossroads of sorts. A door to the east, another to the west, and another curtain further north as well.

Still inwardly stinging from Maric's "little" comment, Betty isn't quite as perceptive as she could be. She follows along behind the group silently.

Today: Secret Roll: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 16 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

If anyone is Proficient in Religion checks, you can make a Religion roll to recognize symbols on the door to the left that I forgot to mention in the previous post.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:33, Fri 16 July 2021.

Welcoming the sounds of silence, Maric tests the doors to see if any open.

ooc: I count four closed doors in the courtyard.

"The Northern room is clear, the further northern wall of the castle has been brought down." Betty whispers, eyes alert.

Let’s investigate the doors to east and west before going any further north.

"Good plan. Let's go!"

Maric buzzes with excitement, eager to see what's beyond the next door.

"C'mon, are we still solemnly Searching?"

You hear hobgoblins to the east, goblins to the west.

Can we skirt them somehow?

You could go north and see if there's another door in the next room, perhaps. The north wall is gone, but the room itself is circular so there might be something up there. Going left or right from here, the only options are those two doors where you can hear there are enemies.

Maric moves toward the circular chamber. Before entering, he listens: Perception check


19:40, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 22 using 1d20+3 ((19)).

Listening at the curtain, you hear nothing but a bit of breeze and an occasional little flapping sound as it nudges the curtain a bit. Stepping through the curtain, you find the tower has almost completely collapsed here. Rotting crates and ancient barrels show that provisions were once stored here at the base of the tower, but they are long since returned to the elements. You see an intact door to the east, and listening there you hear no sounds.

Maric's on the hunt: he studies the door, checks to see if it is secured or if it will easily open at a gentle touch. He tried to open it buy nudging the door with his foot.

The door opens as you nudge it with your foot.

Make a Stealth roll and we'll see whether it opens silently or squeakily. DC 10

Are there any do overs? Rolled a 5

As the door practically screams to announce their presence, Betty simply looks at Maric, shaking her head as she facepalms herself. "Well, then ..." she says, drawing her blade and securing her buckler into place. "God, we need a rogue..." she mutters, finally,.

"It's not like I meant to do it!"

Morgan ignores the squabble and looks through the doorway to see what may lie ahead.

The open door reveals a small room, ten square feet with a short five-foot hallway leading to your door and another similar hallway leading south to where another curtain hangs as a partition. For a brief second, Maeric thought he might of heard movement on the other side of the curtain, but as soon as the door squeaked, the sound stopped.

..Then he heard a quick rustle in the room to the south, a sound like a clack of wood against stone, and a bit more rustle.

Then nothing again.

"Shall we explore? I mean, what else are we going to do? Amirite?"

Maric mention exploration and step foot into the room, and as if on queue, two arrows fly through the curtain from the other room, piercing the fabric and heading for him. The first catches the corner of the wall in front of him before bouncing harmlessly away from him. The second arrow has a much better angle on it, however, and pierces straight into his shoulder. Maric takes 7 piercing damage

Attacks with Disadvantage. First misses with a 4, but the second hits with an 18.
21:29, Today: Psynister rolled 21,7,18 using d20+3,d8+1,d20+3.  Hobgoblin Longbow.
21:29, Today: Psynister rolled 18,9,4 using d20+3,d8+1,d20+3.  Hobgoblin Longbow.

You know there are at least 2 hobgoblins in the next room, possibly more. You can guess that they are not too far south of the curtain given that you listened at the door most likely leading into that room just a few moments ago.

Roll initiative and describe what actions you want to take. We'll play this one blind to start with since there's a curtain blocking your view. I'll include a map in the round 1 recap.

Having absorbed the hit, Maric slaps a Cure wounds upon himself and prepares himself for a fight.

Maric recovers 10 points of damage. He will be going primal in but a moment.

Betty charges into the room, taking advantage of her small size and quick movements to hopefully throw off the aim of her target. She crosses the distance to the closest target, slashing with her rapier. Changing directions suddenly once she learns the locations of her targets, however, throws off her own aim and her first attack misses.
Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 12 using 1d20+3, rerolling all ones ((Initiative))
Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 11,6 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((Attack, Damage)).
This message was last edited by the player at 06:23, Wed 21 July 2021.

"Flanking maneuver!" Morgan says, as she heads back through the curtain to the south and tries to open the door to the hobgoblin room.

The Bear awakens and finds himself angry! Scenting a familiar ally, he makes way toward the the diminutive warrior with the chip on her shoulder.

ooc: is Maric in range of the hobgoblins, or Betty?

00:36, Today: Psynister rolled 15,17,12 using d20+2,d20+2,d20.  Party Initiative: Mari, Morg, Tali.

Morgan swung back around to the other door and pushed in for a flanking maneuver. She was met by the sight of Three Hobgoblins. It caught her slightly by surprise to see one right there in her face, but she reflexively brought up her sword up. It was a good strike, but not good enough for a combat-trained hobgoblin. He parried the swing, even if just barely. (miss)
00:59, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Morgan Ironwolf, rolled 17,7 using d20+6,d8+6.  Attack.

Maric heals the wounds he'd taken from facing the goblins earlier, and then shifts into the familiar form of Bearic.

Beatrice rushes into the room, rapier flashing. The curtain flies out of way and she lunged for the hobgoblin she saw standing in front of her. He seemed ready for the strike, and parried the blade away to his left. The small amount of movement caused Betty's attention to be drawn to another hobgoblin who was standing behind her in a circular alcove she'd not seen when entering the room. (miss)

Talin decided to follow Morgan, not wanting anyone to be left alone. He got into position, and saw an open, but his blast met sword blade and was deflected by pure chance. (miss)
01:01, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Talin, rolled 17,7 using d20+5,d10+3.  Eldritch Blast.

Hobgoblin 1 moves as if to strike at Betty's exposed back, but he pulls up to redirect it toward Bearic when he sees the large bear's form. (miss)
01:05, Today: Psynister rolled 9,7 using d20+3,d8+1.  Hobgoblin Longsword.

Hobgoblin 2 does swing his longsword at Beatrice, but the little lady does not make for an easy target. (miss)
01:05, Today: Psynister rolled 13,2 using d20+3,d8+1.  Hobgoblin Longsword.

Hobgoblin 3 tries to counter-attack Morgan, but she's not new to the swordplay either. (miss)
01:05, Today: Psynister rolled 13,4 using d20+3,d8+1.  Hobgoblin Longsword.

Round 2 - hopefully with fewer misses

They're flanking me?! SHIT! Betty thinks, barely getting her blade up in time to parry the second attack. Thankfully, the oft-annoying Maric had her back, proving his usefulness once again. With the trio of Hobgoblins equally tied up, she focuses on the one in front of her, leaving the other to Bearic. She lashes out, striking true and hard. She launches herself from the nearby fountain, sending her diminutive form skyward, and skewers her opponent through the eye, killing him instantly.

Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 18,11 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((Attack,Damage)).
HELL YEAH!

Morgan engages the hobgoblin in front of her furiously, slashing with Talon and also trying to knock the hobgoblin off his feet with a shield bash. Unfortunately, the hobgoblin is a trained warrior and its armor is strong.

16:22, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Bonus Action shield bash Athletics.

16:21, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  attack hobgoblin (action surge).

16:20, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  attack hobgoblin.

"Big chance for me to impress Betty! C'mon, you can do it! I know you can!!!

Giving himself a pep talk, Maric goes into action mode:

Bite Attack: Rolled a 12 to hit/6 damage. Maybe?

Two claws strike true! 24 total to hit: 15 points of damage

Grrr!
This message was last edited by the player at 13:19, Sat 24 July 2021.

Morgan takes a swing at the hobgoblin, but the skilled goblinoid deflects it. She followed it up with a shove from her shield, but he stood his ground as if it were nothing. Morgan swung her sword yet again, but still he blocked it with ease, a cruel smile spreading across his face. (Miss, miss, and fail)
19:36, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Hobgoblin, rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Athletics.

Maric tried to bit the hobgoblin before him, but it seemed this band of hobgoblins was just as skilled at deflecting teeth as they were blades. Apparently the same rule did not apply for claws, however, as Bearic slashed into the creature's neck and chest. Blood spurted out as if from a fountain, spewing across the bear's face before the hobgoblin fell. (H1 is dead)

Beatrice focuses on the one in front of her, leaving the other to Bearic. She lashes out, striking true and hard. She launches herself from the nearby fountain, sending her diminutive form skyward, and skewers her opponent through the eye, killing him instantly. (H2 is dead)

Talin has no clear shot at the final target, and can't get to a place without risking being hit himself, so he stays in place and watches other nearby doorways for signs of others coming to the fight.

Hobgoblin 1 is dead.

Hobgoblin 2 is dead.

Hobgoblin 3 doesn't even notice his companions have fallen. Instead he counterattacks against Morgan, landing a solid blow. (H3 hits Morgan for 5 slashing damage)
19:45, Today: Psynister rolled 22,5 using d20+3,d8+1.  Hobgoblin Longsword.

Round 3 - I'm not going to bother updating the map. The one by Morgan is alive the other 2 are not. Positions are otherwise the same.


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:17, Mon 26 July 2021.

Without missing a beat, Betty withdraws the blade from the hobgoblin's eye, even before it's body hits the floor. In a flash, she leaps back to the fountain, this time allowing her momentum to carry her forward into the Hobgoblin attacking Morgan. This foe has his back to her, and is only momentarily surprised when her thin silver blade sprouts from his throat. He can only gurgle as the blood gushes from his wound and his eyes grow lifeless.

Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 20,11 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((Attack, Damage)).
HELL YEAH²!!!

Maric offers up a high five bear style to Betty and Morgan.

RAWR

The third hobgoblin goes down, and all is quiet.

I misplaced a doorway, so there's actually a door in the previous room right across from the squeaky door. There's also another door south of you now.

Morgan kicks the now dead hobgoblin that stabbed her, annoyed that Betty got the kill instead of her. Then she wraps a spare cloth around her wound, which is minor, and looks to the others. "Which way now?"

Listening at the door to the east reveals voices, certainly not goblin, but you're uncertain who they might belong to instead.

Listening at the door to the south you hear very little. There's something on the other side, but the door is thick and made of iron, so sounds do not pass through it easily.

Betty is riding the thrill from her combat victories and though the bloodlust is far from her eyes, there's certainly a devilish glint that indicates she is ready for much more. She looks between the two doors and then shrugs, before looking to Bearic with a raised eyebrow that seems to suggest You first.

Bearic ambles to the east, sniffs the air & uses his perception to divine who might be down there.

Advantage: The outlook, like a magic 8ball, is muddied. With a snuffle and a grunt, he makes his way toward the sounds.

ooc: the first roll was a failure. second roll was indeterminate. Let me know about that 2nd roll.

Smells like dust and goblin piss.

A snort and a growl. Bearic heads to see what he might find to the east.

Morgan is right behind Bearic.

The door flies open, and Maric the Bearic finds himself looking at a hobgoblin to his right, a large bugbear straight ahead, and a drow elf off to his right. On the floor against the far wall is the unconscious form of Gundren Rockseeker.

Roll your initiatives and post your intended actions. I'll resolve everything in order. If you have Reactions that you may want to take, include those as well.


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:38, Tue 03 Aug 2021.

Maric sees the bugbear first, sees a sworn enemy and attacks:

20:20, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 15 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 5,6.  Damage.

20:19, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 18 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 12.  atk roll claws.

20:14, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 11 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 7.  Damage.

20:13, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 16 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 10.  attack 1 bite.

Looks like a total of fifteen points from claws and 11 points for bite.

26 total points of damage.

Not...to...shabby...
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Mon 02 Aug 2021.

Morgan is right behind Maric, and sees a hobgoblin. Now's her chance to get one, she thinks, and stabs at it, but with a twist of her blade meant to knock the hobgoblin's weapon from its hand.

OOC: Action: attack hobgoblin, hit for 16 total damage, Str DC 13 to avoid being disarmed if that doesn't kill him.

13:36, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 6 using 1d8.  Disarming Strike.

13:36, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 23,10 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  attack hobgoblin.

13:35, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Betty smiles viciously as she launches herself into the room and into combat. She moves beneath Bearic who's attacking the Bugbear and launches a vicious slash at her opponent, cutting it deeply.

Betty moves to the hex directly in front of the Bugbear and adjacent to the table. Her "target" will be whichever monster is still standing, or the most damaged foe at her turn in combat.
Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 12 using 1d20+3, rerolling all ones ((Initiative)
Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 22,8 using 1d20+5,1d8+3, rerolling all ones ((Attack, Damage))

Morgan rushed into the room, cleaving the hobgonlin's hand clean off at the forearm. The blade's momentum carried it further up, imbedding the blade into the base of the creature's skull just behind its jaw. With a twitch, the hobgoblin fell dead to the floor. (Hobgoblin is dead)

Grol somehow anticipated Maric's charge and caught the bear right under the chin with an incredible blow from his morningstar. (Maric is crit for 25 piercing damage)
20:10, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Grol, rolled 10 using 2d8+2.  Crit Damage.
20:10, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Grol, rolled 24,15 using d20+4,2d8+2.  Attack.

The Drow follows Grol's lead, attacking the bear. He stabs with a pair of shortswords, the first cutting only fur, but the second sinks in, opening a wound in the bear's neck. (Maric takes 6 piercing damage)
20:12, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Drow, rolled 10,5,20,6 using d20+6,d6+4,d20+6,d6+4.  Attacks.
20:10, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Grol, rolled 10 using 2d8+2.  Crit Damage.

Hobgoblin is dead.

Beatrice moved into the room, and finding her intended space filled by Bearic, she leapt onto the table and stabbed the bugbear. (Groll takes 8 damage)

Talin moved in with his mace and took a swing at the drow elf, but the dexterous elf was not easily hit. (miss)
20:17, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Talin, rolled 7,7 using d20+1,d8.  Attack.

Maric returned Grol's aggression with tooth and claw, slashing into his stomach and biting into ribs hard enough that he was fairly certain he'd heard one snap. (25 damage to Grol)

Round 2 - Fight!

Morgan slashes at the drow, connecting with Talon, and provides cover for Maric in case he needs to retreat from the fray. She then follows up the strike with a shield bash intended to knock the drow back so that Morgan can move into the spot it occupied, and be in position to attack the bugbear or drow as needed next round.

OOC:
Action: attack drow, hit for 10 slashing damage total
  Maneuvering Attack (Maric can make 1/2 move as reaction/no AoO from target, +dmg)
Bonus Action: shield bash to shove, Athletics DC 24 to resist
Potential Move Action: move diagonally northeast 1 square to drow's current position IF it's shoved back.



11:19, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Bonus Action shield bash Athletics.

11:19, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 3 using 1d8.  Maneuvering Attack Superiority Die.

11:18, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 25,7 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  attack drow/damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Sun 08 Aug 2021.

Betty just bear-ly manages to stop herself from raging when Bearic suffers such a massive attack. She knows his capabilities when he transforms back from his animal forms, so instead of despairing, she uses the opportunity to lay a wicked strike at Grol, all but fully piercing his heart with her small blade.

Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 6,11 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((Attack, Damage)).
Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 22 using 1d20+5, rerolling all ones ((Attack Reroll)

Swinging again at the hobgoblin

09:42, Today: Talin rolled 6 using 1d8.  Damage .

09:41, Today: Talin rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  Mace.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:44, Mon 09 Aug 2021.

round 2: Bearic keeps on keepin' on- Attack's Grol: Bite/claws

11:11, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 12 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 4,4.  Damage : Claw.

11:10, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 12 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 8.  Bite Damage.

11:09, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 22 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 16.  Attack claws.

11:08, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 25 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 19.  attack roll: Bite.

Looks like 24 points total damage: Bite/Claws

If it seems like Betty has Grol in hand, Bearic will instead charge the drow.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:15, Mon 09 Aug 2021.

Morgan attacked the drow, connecting solidly even if she didn't manage to break the skin. The drow still felt it. Then his eyes widened as he was rushed with a shield and knocked to the ground. (10 damage to Drow)

Grol swung at Bearic again, but the bear's own offense threw off the blow. (miss)

The Drow got back onto its feet once more, and laid into Morgan with his shortswords. One sword was blocked by the shield, but the other found purchase. (Morgan takes 6 Piercing damage)
19:30, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Drow, rolled 21,6,16,5 using d20+6,d6+4,d20+6,d6+4.  Attacks.

Beatrice stabbed her rapier straight through Grol's throat. Blood poured down between his fingers, as he reached up to contain it, but still he fought on. (11 damage to Grol)

Talin swung his mace, but the arcane caster was not very well skilled in the use of melee weapons. (miss)

Maric sees Grol struggling to cling to life, and leaves him standing to assault the drow instead. (24 damage to the drow)

Round 3 - Whee!

Bearic goes Bite/Claws

bite: 20:49, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 11 using 1d8+4 ((7)).
20:48, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13

claws 2d6+4 I think the claws are a miss - rolled a 9 total

OOC: I stated I was trying to move the drow backwards, not knock him down, so that I could move into the space he currently occupies. This post assumes that happened. If not, make it a disarming strike on the drow for 4 extra damage instead.

Morgan grits her teeth as the drow stabs her, and she returns the attack with a vicious sweep of her blade that not only cuts through the drow, it also manages to slice into the bugbear as well.

OOC: Attack Drow, hit for 11, sweeping attack superiority die 4 damage to Grol
Bonus Action: Second Wind, healing 12 hp

12:51, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 12 using 1d10+3.  Second Wind.

12:51, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 4 using 1d8.  sweeping attack on Grol.

12:50, Today: Morgan Ironwolf rolled 23,11 using 1d20+6,1d8+6.  attack drow/damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:55, Tue 10 Aug 2021.

In reply to Morgan Ironwolf (msg # 238):

My bad, consider your intent to be what happened.

Betty ponders leaving Grol to bleed out; for a moment her eyes grow dim as the thought of bathing herself in his warm blood captures her imagination. A wicked smile crosses her thin, child-like lips and it is almost horrifying.

Ultimately, though, she shrugs and slashes out at the bugbear, almost as an afterthought. As if one were brushing off lint, or absently swatting at a fly. The blade strikes true as the tip completes the task it started moments before, ending the creature's life.

Today: Beatrice Thornhall rolled 22,8 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((17,5)).

Blood starting to rush to his head in rage, Talin takes another swing with his mace

19:14, Today: Talin rolled 7 using 1d8.  damage.

19:13, Today: Talin rolled 11 using 1d20+1.  mace.

Morgan draws in a deep breath, pushing the presence of pain out of her mind as she assaulted the drow again. (11 damage to Drow, Grol is dead)

Grol is dead.

The Drow stabs Morgan in the now-exposed arm from her sweeping strike, and follows it up with another stab into the warrior's ribs. (Morgan takes 19 piercing damage)
13:26, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Drow, rolled 25,10,24,9 using d20+6,d6+4,d20+6,d6+4.  Attacks.

Beatrice leaped onto Grol's fallen form, standing on the bugbear's head to plant her rapier into the drow's left eye socket. (Drow is dead)

Combat is over!

Maric pops out of his bear form, offers congratulations to the party for another successful encounter.

"What about the loot?"

He's almost shy asking that question...

Betty simply shrugs. "That's your department, Yogi." she says, flinging the blood from her blade and sheathing it. She then frowns as she begins to worry about a small drop of blood on her dress. "Oh, that's gonna set..."

"To that point, let's gather up what we can. Any of you who can discern magic would be helpful."

Searching the room, you find:

Gundren, the dwarf who hired everyone in the first place, and who you came here to save.

The Mysterious Drow - isn't a drow at all, as his heart beat for the final time, his body shifted into grey semitransparent humanoid form with slightly longer than normal arms, and most of its facial features almost undefined.

Furs, animal trophies on the walls, a bed and a brazier, a round table and some chairs.

You can roll Perception or Investigation to do a more thorough search.

Perception check:

23:45, Today: Maric Arumae rolled 14 using 1d20+3 ((11)).

Maric looks around to see if he can spot anything worthwhile.

That'll do it.

Maric takes a quick look around, moves the mattress on the bed, and feels something a little funny inside. He felt around for a moment, then drew out a dagger and sliced through the stitch to reveal a pair of small sacks. One contained coin pouches and the other a map and three potions.

Gundren's Map
3x Potion of Healing (2d4+2)
102 gp worth of assorted coins

"There's a map here, and a nice bit of coin. There is also 3x Potions of healing."

102gp = 25.5 per character.

Morgan shivers at the sight of the "drow" changing into whatever it is. But she shrugs it off and goes to Gundren, checking to see if he's still alive, and untying him.

I believe our drow was actually a doppelgänger He takes a slightly closer look in disdain Shapeshifters, this just makes things more complex, why would one be masquerading as a drow

Maric said, "I don't know what a doppelganger is. Is it something like what I do? I would hate to think that I am some sort of aberrant monster."

There's real concern on Maric's face, almost frightening.

Morgan finds Gundren is still alive and more or less well. He's taken some hits in the last few days, but they were roughing him up, not trying to kill him, so overall he could certainly be worse.

"I don't know how you managed to find me, lads, but I'm damn glad you did."

"We should use a potion on Gudrun, I suppose." Betty says, still scanning the room for threats. If she's taken aback by the drow/not-drow, she shows no outward sign. "Then we can get the hell out of here faster."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:38, Sat 14 Aug 2021.

You are no monster Maric, you are a good and kind woold elf he moves closer to Maric to reassure himdopplegangers use their powers in bad ways, my apologies for the misuse of the word 'shapeshifter', it's a generic term & i should have been more specific, it's just uncovering the drow as a doppelganger has somewhat rattled me

"Well, yeah, it rattled me too. I'll worry about it another time. We have other responsibilities to worry about."

In spite of his assertion, his expression is one of consternation.

"What's next?" he asks.

"We get Master Gundrun to safety. If we want to return and remove the creatures that lair here, we can do that, or maybe go fight that dragon?"

Gundren accepted one of the potions, feeling relieved at doing so, "Were you able to find my map? The bugbear's got it here somewhere. We need it to find the lost mines of Phandelver."

We have the map, along with now 2 healing potions.

"What's your opinion then, old man? Should we get you to safety, or do you want to fight through the rest of this lair?" Betty asks, directly, clear in her preferences.

"As long as you're the ones doing the fighting, and you're not expecting much from me, that's your choice. If you expect me to pick up a weapon, you best be ready to hold them down for me, unless you're alright with me being next to useless."

Maric's a bit out of sorts. He wasn't really expecting an injured party member to show up out of the blue...not to mention the same party member was the one underwriting the current excursion.

Finally he said, "Look, you're injured. If we have drag you along, you'll only slow us down. That makes you a liability. Worse, we still don't know how many more bad guys are still hovering about. Could you make it back to camp under your own power?"

The dwarf arched an eyebrow, "Can I walk myself back to Phandalin from here? Safely? With no weapons or armor? If you want to get snippy, take it up with your friend here who made the offer."

Maric rolls his eyes. "Alright then, we will take you back to camp. Morgan, take point. Talin you are Morgan's support. I'll be in bear form. Betty, take the rear."

Turning to the dwarf he said, "When I change, you climb on and hold tight. There are still enemies in the ruins. We are going to be moving fast."

Morgan nods. "Ready when you are."

Once Maric transforms and Gundren is mounted, she heads back along the path out the kitchen door.

OOC: unless Betty or Talin have an objection to Maric's plan, that is.

Alright, let's go.