THE LORD OF MURDER SHALL PERISH, BUT
in his doom he shall spawn a score of mortal progeny.
Chaos will be sown from their passage...
                                    —Ancient prophecy

  One year ago, the Sword Coast was nearly plunged into a war. A mercantile organization known as the Iron Throne manipulated the great nations of Baldur’s Gate and Amn toward war, eager for the profits that would come from such a conflict. The plans of the Iron Throne were exposed and undone by a group of intrepid adventurers and wizards known as the Harpers.

  Although war was averted, the Iron Throne was merely a front which disguised much greater threats. The leaders of the Iron Throne had unwisely involved themselves with many dangerous entities. They hired unscrupulous wizards to study magical secrets that were better forgotten. They made pacts with power-hungry men who wished to become gods. They hired shapeshifting assassins who could infiltrate the throne rooms of great kingdoms. Although
the Iron Throne has been shattered, the evil that they unleashed still lurks within the city of Baldur’s Gate.

 You know all about this because one of your friends' reach out to you with a rumor that a man named Khalid, has sent out an urgent missive looking for characters of trustworthy nature. Same friend let it be known that he is a Harper agent and that you must be on your way to the Coast Way called the Friendly Arm Inn. As soon as it is possible.
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:43, Sun 22 Nov 2020.

The Friendly Arms Inn is ran out of an old stone keep at the center of a small hamlet along the Coast Way. It is a stopping point for many caravans coming from Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter, nations of Amn, Calimshan, Tethyr.

The hamlet itself located on the hill, with keep almost hovering above it. You can see the keep as you clear the forest. The air smells of hot food and sweet mead, your weary feet are aching for a decent bed.

As you make your way towards the hamlet, then towards the inn, then up the large set of stairs (one may wonder how any drunkards broke their necks climbing down these stairs after a night of fun). Heavy wood doors open into a cozy tap room bathed in warm lantern light. The inn is packed with patrons dressed in varying attire both familiar and exotic. Scattered among them stand a handful of well-armored soldiers who all wear a distinctive insignia of a clenched fist wreathed in fire. As you cross the inn’s threshold, one such soldier approaches you, holding out a gauntleted arm. He says, “You won’t be needing weapons here. Leave them with me, and I’ll return them upon your departure.”

Around the inn, if one is to take it all in...one can see about 5 soldiers dressed in uniforms of the Flaming Fist. Behind the bar is a rosey, cheeked gnome. His shirt reads, "Bentley". While all smiles with patrons you notice his matter of business attitude with the soldiers, especially becoming more animated when he notices someone not following the rules set by him.

To the side of the inn, almost right next to the fireplace you notice a tanned man, wearing ornate half-plate and a shield on his back. He is eyeing the entrance, nervously clutching the bread, picking at it and at times taking a quick sip from his tankard. It is as if he is looking for someone, waiting for someone's arrival.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:47, Mon 23 Nov 2020.

Temperance had spent the past few minutes in the stables, making sure Brick was comfortably lodged, his saddles were properly tacked down, and that she could temporarily leave the contents of the pack saddle here while she arranged for lodgings (which the stablehands assured her was fine).

The tiefling looks relieved when she enters the inn proper, and she's happy to hand over her crossbow, staff, and dagger to the Flaming Fist guards. She notes the nervous-looking man near the fireplace but doesn't approach immediately, instead going to Bentley at the bar.

"Excuse me sir, would I be able to organise some food and lodging for the night please? And is there a possibility of a bath or a wash of some sort?" she asks the gnome.

A tall, broad, and dark figure fills the doorway for a moment before Rak-Norag steps into the inn. He looks about the room, taking in the scene, looking for the one called Khalid. Unfortunately, he had no idea what the man looked like. He supposed that it would be easier for Khalid to find him.

He notes the bar, eager to quench his thirst after a long walk. Before that can happen, he's met by a soldier requesting he yield his arms. Rak-Norag grunts and looks about, seeing that the crowd appears not to be carrying weapons. He leans his staff against the wall near the door and slowly goes about unstowing all his weapons - a large axe, two small axes, and four javelins - and handing them to the guard.

"These are my life," he says in a raspy voice, his eyes cold and flat as they meet the soldier's gaze. "You treat them like they are made of gold."

He takes up the staff in one hand and walks over toward the bar. "Ale," he says, raising one hand in the air.

"Here you go, buddy." said the wiry elf as he handed a sword and a whip to the guard. "Hey... weren't you working security at the place with the event that might not have happened the other day? Think I might have seen you drop that drunk lug from Calimshan with a solid left hook." He tapped his nose. "Probably mistaken, eh?" With a wink and a smile he walked in.

He stood just over 5' high, but pure ego put platforms under his leather boots. He wore a plain linen tunic over coarse breeches belted loosely around his thin waist. His dirty blonde hair was gathered loosely in a ponytail at the back, and the edges of tattoos could be seen on his neck and below the cuffs of his shirtsleeves. A coiled silver torc around his neck was his only jewelry, and a pack was slung over his shoulder.

~~ A squad of Fisties, a couple of pickpockets trying to work the room, an Uthgardt... who put his weapon down? ... a nervous guy waiting on a meeting, aaaaaand a gnome bartender. Bingo. That's the guy Gregin sent me to talk to. ~~

The elf walked up to the bar next to a tiefling. Ilmaterian type. "Barman: shandy, when you can."

He looked at the tiefling. "Heard a lot of pleading heading your guy's way over the years. Is that dealie there," gesturing to the symbol around her neck, "just devotional, or more professional-like?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Tue 24 Nov 2020.

In reply to Temperance (msg # 3):

@Temperance
Bentley the inn keeper smiles at you, "Sure, friend, sure". He studies you for a moment, "I think your friend is waiting for you over there, oh and if that it is indeed your friend. Well, shall we say your food and lodging paid for tonight". Bentley motions towards man seeing by the fireplace in front of a rather large, sturdy table, all by himself.

The gnome then motions something at the soldiers in the room.


@All
A single Flaming Fist soldier will separate from the group of them and approach the newly arrived adventurers one by one, quietly and politely requesting to take a sit with a man by the fireplace.

Rhen blinks a few times as he ponders the Flaming Fist soldier's request. Part of it is a hesitance to part with his weapons---they are not only a means for defense but his tools for survival. After all, it is much easier to pick off rabbits with a bow than wait for them to stumble into a well-placed trap. The other is confusions as to whether this is simply a custom of city dwellers. After a few moments, he hands over a pair of worn short swords and a sturdy bow.

"I...um," he stammers as he struggles to put his thoughts into words appropriate for the situation. "I will need these back. I use them to hunt."

Rhen walks into the inn, and his eyes immediately go wide. He has never been in an inn before, and the sights and smells are new to him. Things like plate armor, finely woven cloth, and jewelry were the stuff of stories for him until this moment. They seem to make his self-tanned leathers and practical clothing seem meager and inadequate in comparison. He stands still, unable to avoid gawking at the different people. He is snapped out of his trance when the guard approaches him and directs him toward the one called Khalid.

"Pleasant moons," he says to the group at the table. "I am Rhen of the Daggerleafs. Is one of you Khalid of the Harpers?"

Temperance blinks in surprise. "Oh. That's... generous. My thanks." She was about to get up when the wood elf approached and spoke.



Temperance smiled and touched the emblem at her chest. "Given the times the world has been through, that's quite understandable. And yes, this is 'professional,' as you say."

She was about to continue when the Flaming Fist member got to the wood elf. "Come with me - I was just about to go to... I believe it may be Khalid," she said, not breaking eye contact with him.

At the request from the soldier, Rak-Norag slowly picks up his just-arrived flagon of ale and downs about half of it, seemingly in a single gulp. He nods at the soldier, but says nothing, then moves toward the fire, ale in one hand, walking stick in the other.

He stops and besides the one who must be Khalid, unintentionally looming over the man. He slowly takes in the others who are gathering around before looking back to the seated man at the table. "I am Rak-Norag. A friend told me to meet Khalid of the Harpers here. You are him?"

In reply to Rak-Norag (msg # 9):

Khalid stands up from his seat and motions for the barbarian to seat down, "I-i-it is pleasure to m-m-meet you, Rag-Norag. P-p-p-please take a seat".


@All who is sitting down next to Khalid
Tanned man continues to nervously pick at the bread, nodding at each approaching new member, “Mmmmmy c c c contact said to expect 5 of you. W w w w we shall wait. Order for for yourself, it is on me”, the man stutters as he struggles to complete the sentence. A well travelled person may identify his accent of that from Calimshan. And someone with keen eye would identify him as a half elf.

"After you, lass," the elf replied, pausing a moment before accepting his shandy. He looked around a moment and muttered, "Tsk ... no cocktail napkins..." before heading over to this Khalid.

He was surprised at the stuttering manner of the half-elf. "You alright, mate?" he asked, slipping languidly down into an armchair by the fire and crossing his heels on the hearth. "No need being all concerned. Even if there weren't so many Limping Wrist walkin about, this here big fella," indicating the Uthgardt with a hooked thumb, "looks like he'd want all the fightin attention to himself." He sipped his drink, and swung his eyes lazily towards Rak-Norag. "That about more-or-less, Northman?"

Sip.

Rak-Norag leans his staff against the wall and sits, listening to what Khalid has to say. He tries, somewhat unsuccessfully, to keep a derisive sneer from his lips. The half-elf seems scared and weak, and he has learned not to trust such men. But free ale is no mean thing, so he finishes his and calls for another.

He then listens to the chatty wood elf, not quite sure what everything he says means. His eyes narrow for a moment, as if he is sizing up this talkative elf. He does seem to gather the meaning of the last part, about fighting, though, and for the first time since he entered the inn, the hint of a smile comes to his somewhat stark countenance as his eyes scan the room.

"Not much to fight here," he says dismissively. It seems to be more of a commentary on any possible opponents in the barroom than a statement of peaceful intentions.

He looks around the table, unsure if all the others heard him earlier. "I am Rak-Norag," he repeats. "Who are you all?"

Entertained by the big man's confident attitude, the elf felt he had to respond in kind. He sprang up onto the chair, one foot on the back of the armchair, the other on the seat, balancing it on its back legs with one arm akimbo, the other holding his drink high.

"I am Brychan Llywarch, Northman! He of the Daleland gladiatorial pits, and the serpent-striking sword. Quick of wrist, and quicker of tongue. Conquests in public!" he winked and grinned, "... and in private." He gave a flourishing bow, still standing on the tilted chair, before sliding down back into his languid posture with legs crossed on the hearth.

"Maybe you've heard of me."

Sip.

---

OOC:
11:35, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Acrobatics, oh boy, here it goes..
EXCELLENT START I'D SAY. Lol.

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 11):

"I-i am alright", Khalid said looking at the sorcerer. "St-stuttering is an affliction I have been suffering since I was a child". With a pained grimace he raises his hand to wipe away the sweat from the forehead. The sun tanned skin up close looks blanched, sickly.

The trays of food arrives at the table and Khalid quietly thanks the maids.
Khalid patiently waits for everyone to introduce themselves, awaiting a moment to discuss his request.

"V-very nice, Brychan", Khalid smiles and nods.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Tue 24 Nov 2020.

Rak-Norag's dismissive attitude of the nervous half-elf softens slightly. He had known of children who suffered from various afflictions. They usually did not last long amongst the Uthgardt, which was a sad and unfortunate thing.

He raises an eyebrow at the impromptu acrobatic performance. Another rare hint of a smile comes to his face. "You are entertaining, Brychan Llywarch." The odd-sounding (to him) name does not exactly roll off his tongue, but it seems a sincere compliment even if spoken in a somewhat flat tone.

He takes a swig of ale and looks about. "What food do they have here?" He was looking forward to not having to catch and prepare his own dinner. He wondered if that was a sign of the softness of "civilization" creeping over him. But free was free, and he was not exactly rolling in coin at the moment.

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 13):

What looks like drunken, female dwarf approaches Brychan clapping her hands. "Aye, boy that was wonderful. 'ere be some coin for yer trouble". She throws a coin of 20 silver at the sorcerer and drunkenly stumbles away back to the bar.


@Barbarian
You notice a menu on the table, it reads.
Today's menu consist of:

Boiled Eggs and Cashew Bread, Tankard of Cider (7 cp)
Braised Goose and Soft Cheese, Glass of Rum (2 sp)
Smoked Pork and Dried Turnip, Tankard of Stout (10 cp)
Dried Whitefish and Carrot, Tankard of Beer (11 cp)
Braised Pheasant with Garlic and Millet Bread, Glass of Brandy (1 sp)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:15, Tue 24 Nov 2020.

Temperance takes an unoccupied chair, giving Brychan some space for his theatrics, and regards the rest of the group. Both her hands and her tail rest in her lap.

"It's good to meet you Khalid, everyone. I am Temperance, of the church of Ilmater. Are you expecting more people?" she asks. As she speaks, she produces a set of thin red cords from up one of her sleeves and starts to thread and twine them around her hands; their movements are fluid and well-practised, to the point where she's not even looking at them.

In reply to Temperance (msg # 17):

"P-p-p-pleasure is all mine, have not seen a cleric of a B-b-b-roken one in awhile", he smiles and nods his head. "I was t-t-t-old by my contact to expect 5 of you. It seems one of you is late. Pp-p-p-perhaps we can start and they shall join us later".


“Th-thank you for joining me! As some of you have already guessed m-my name is Khalid,” he stutters. “I wish to hire a group of f-formidable adventurers to aid in the rescue of my wife. She was carried off by gibberlings after our c-camp was overrun less than a tenday ago. It seemed like their horde was traveling towards the
Cloakwood—not far from here.”

"If you are unaware", Khalid explains, “Gibberlings are a t-type of vicious, feral humanoid. Nobody knows where they come from, but the creatures have plagued the Sword Coast for the last 10 years or so. They hibernate like bears over the winter, only to return the next year, stronger in the summer’s heat.”
He stops speaking for a moment, clutching his hand and spinning a beautifully crafted ring with some elven runes on it. He than continues.
“Gibberlings usually eat their victims, but for some reason, they’ve kept my Jaheira alive. Our wedding bands share a magical bond, you see. This will be a dangerous t-task—but I have gold! Will you help me?”

Rak-Norag listens to the half-elf's tale. He scowls at the mention of the magic in his ring, but he supposes it may be a figure of speech, that he means he feels in his heart that his bride is still alive.

"You pay, I will help find your woman," he replies. "These jibberwings will surrender her or fall. What say the rest of you?"

He raises one big hand to wave over a server and orders the pork and stout. "You all going to eat?" he asks the others. "Put fire in your belly for our hunt." He gulps down more ale, getting ready for his stout.

Temperance nods along to Khalid's story, her hands still working through the red cord even as she maintains unbroken eye contact with him. "Yes, I will help you," she replies after Rak-Norag pledges his aid. "Will you be coming with us?"

When Rak-Norag asks if she's going to eat, Temperance glances down at her hands. "After I finish praying, yes," she replies as she looks back up.

Rhen watches silently, unsure if feats of acrobatic skill like Brychan's is something commonplace among cityfolk. He claps politely with the rest of the bar, doing his best to imitate their response. While the gesture is tentative, it is also sincere.

When Khalid mentions the reason behind his summons, Rhen's ears perk up. He listens intently as Khalid lists out the details. Cloakwood. Gibberlings. A missing spouse. A magical ring. He nods in affirmation when Khalid asks if the group will help them.

"Yes," he states plainly. "I can help. The Daggerleafs teach each child how to track man and beast, and the forest is my home. I do not need gold, as your request would help me work toward completing own rites.

"I will, though," he adds, his voice betraying a sense of worry as though he has offended the Half-Elf, "if accepting gold is the custom for such actions."

As a young woman enters the inn, she frowns as she is asked to relinquish her weapons. She sets down her short sword, unbuckles her buckler, unsheathes her dagger, places a long bow with quiver by the man, lays two small hand axes next to them and finally sets down a large cast iron pan with a healthy dent in the side. She begins to count on her fingers as if mentally taking stock of everything she has on her. "I think that is everything that could reasonably be called a weapon. Is there anything in specific that this establishment has considered a weapon that I may have missed? I wouldn't want to run afoul of your policy should a metal spoon be considered contraband"

In reply to Ellerie (msg # 22):

"Everyone which may kill a man, madam. You should be alright, please carry on", the guard quickly looks over the fighter and motions her through. He may have rolled his eyes slightly during that short speech. "Next!", he yells through the door.

Brychan leaned forward to regard the menu, then responded to Rak-Norag: "Possibly the goose?" he said with an uncertain eyebrow raised.

He leaned back and listened to Rhen's hesitancy and recalled his first ventures into human lands. What a green stack of elf he'd been back then. "You'll be fresh from the trail, hey? Don't sweat it, kid, you're doing fine. And yeah," he grinned, "accepting gold is one of those things civilization has the forest beat with aces. [Private to Rhen Daggerleaf: What race are you? The name reads "halfling" to me, but none of your prose has said it explicitly.]

"Which," he said turning to Khalid, "is what our host has offered anyhow, and whose promise has brought us here. Not to put too much a point on it: it's hard to turn a man down when his missus went and got napped. But if I leave it to these three," he points at Temperance, "one would do it to ease suffering," and Rhen, "another for not wanting to be rude," and Rak-Norag, "and another to take his morning workout out on local fauna. Who's to say what our mystery fifth would do, but I suppose I need to ask the hard question: how much?"

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 24):

"50 gold pieces", Khalid said quietly, "each".

Rhen smiles gratefully at Brychan's words and advice.

"My thanks," he says to Brychan before answering Khalid.

"Agreed. Shall leave after eating?"

Rak-Norag nods at the mention of 50 pieces of gold. "This is a fair price," he says. "You will take us to where you last saw her?"

He slides the freshly arrived plate in front and begins to eat slowly, almost methodically, taking his time to thoroughly chew and taste the food. After a moment, he nods again, a look of satisfaction on his face. "This is good food," he declares before washing a swallow down with a slug of stout.

"That is a definition that is entirely unhelpful, but I will endeavor not to use any of the other gear I possess to inflict bodily harm upon another." Providing a smile to the soldier in seeming obliviousness with his frustration, she move on into the inn and towards those she was supposed to be meeting.

Her eyes quickly scan the crowd looking for any other adventurers or mercenaries or troubleshooters or heroes or champions, everyone had their own name for the profession that she had chosen to pursue. Spotting those by the fireplace, she walks on over.

Temperance nods at the mention of payment and finishes moving her hands, tucking the red cords back up her sleeves. She nods at the approach of one more person before she catches the attention of a server. "Could I please have the eggs, bread, and cider?" she asks.

Once her order is taken and paid for, she returns her attention to the group. "How likely are the gibberlings to harm your wife, Khalid? I mean, yes, all haste is always good but it's close to sunset and we may not get far if we leave after we eat," she says.

[OOC: GM stated in the OOC thread that it's around 6PM/1800hrs for context]

In reply to Temperance (msg # 29):

"I-i-i-i don't know. Knowing of gibberlings they should have killed both of us. It is urgent, b-b-but I understand the need for rest and d-d-day will be safer", he looks at the group, taking in one face at a time. "We can r-r-rest in this inn and go to the camp tomorrow, than?"

"Aye, that sounds like a plan," Rak-Norag says. "The room, like the food, is on you, then?" He continues to feast on the food and enjoy the stout, occasionally glancing about to assess the situation in the room. One never knows when a good barroom brawl might suddenly break out.

Rhen glances about the table, attempting to read the situation. After a moment, he shrugs and looks to Khalid.

"You are asking for our aid, and know these creatures better than us," the Wood Elf says. "I believe the decision on when we depart is yours to make. If daylight is a concern, I can track at night as well as in the day. The signs are there for those who know how to look for them."

In reply to Rhen Daggerleaf (msg # 32):

Klalid pays close attention to you speaking, taken a long moment and pulls at a wedding band,
"I-i-i-i ap-p-preciate your honesty, I would love to see my wife as soon as possible, but...gibberlings are dangerous creatures at night. I heard as much before and that is when we were attacked by them. I think we will have more success after resting".

"Stay here the night to 'rest up'?" Brychan gives Khalid a doubting look. "It's your wife, mate. And your gold. But... you think you're gonna get much sleep tonight? The answer to that question is the answer to whether we should stay the night here." He smiled, laughed, and slapped Rhen on the shoulder. "Besides... we introduce this one to a feather bed, he's like as not to actually fall asleep!" He conspiratorially leans in and stage-whispers, "Better make it straw with a helping of palmettos, and keep him sharp, ha!"

Brychan saw the armored woman at the edge of the conversation, listening in. "Good evening, lassie! You look as you've got a question on your lips; I suppose the answer to that question is either, 'Yes, that's Khalid right over there,' or, 'Yes, I am that Brychan Llwarch; always nice to meet a fan.' In either case, spare your feet a moment's burden and join us!"

Ellerie nods, "It would be the former. Sorry for being the last to arrive."

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 34):

"You s-s-speak truth, it happened tendays ago and it's b-b-been hard to sleep a wink", Khalid smiles at sorcerer. "Then we are setting after the m-m-m-meal. We should get there by the early morning. Hopefully the w-w-w-weather holds. Is that agreeable with the r-r-rest of you?"

Rak-Norag waves one large hand dismissively. "No matter," he says. "Clear sky and moonlight or dark rainy night, I have traveled in far worse."

Temperance nods to greet Ellerie when she joins the group, and does so again when Khalid asks if they could go tonight. "I shall endure. Once we have eaten, I'll go and get Brick ready for travel again - oh, thank you!" she says, interrupting herself as her meal arrives.

"Feather beds?" Rhen scoffs, "why would anyone collect feathers for a bed when a perfectly fine fur will save time and energy? Who and why would anyone collect them?"

Rak-Norag's comment about rain reminds Rhen of something.

"Foul weather...that is a good thing to consider. I had planned to make a tent during my travels, but have yet to do so. I believe I shall buy one and try my hand at tanning when more time is available... Forgive me, I shall return soon." The Wood Elf excuses himself and begins looking for someone who looks willing to exchange coin for goods...

OOC:

If doable, I'd like to purchase a tent for 2 GP. I forgot that the Explorer's Pack doesn't come with one.

In reply to Rhen Daggerleaf (msg # 39):

Surprisingly enough there what looks like a decently sized gift shop in the room just to the side of the inn. It has pins, writing utensils, mugs, and a section which proudly states, “All adventuring gear you ever need!”
The tent is 2 gold pieces and 20 silver. It comes with a gnome sized flag with a “Friendly Arms Inn” written across it and smiling face of the gnome you saw behind the counter on it.

"Good idea," Rak-Norag says. He too goes to acquire a tent for the road before they head out.

In reply to Rak-Norag (msg # 41):

You too acquire a tent. This one comes with a free shirt. Grey in color front has emblems of a Friendly Arms Inn, an armored arm and a hand sticking up in the air with a blue flag in it. Under in ornate text it says, “Friendly Arms Inn”. The back of the shirt reads, “I travelled to Friendly Arms Inn and all I got was this lousy t-shirt”.

When the group had finished their hearty meals, paid for by Khalid, they separated into a frenzy of activity. Each gathering the supplies they would require for the impromptu journey. In a flurry of excitement, the intrepid adventurers met in front of the walled inn. Thankfully the Moon was high in the sky providing enough light for the party to safely find their path and torchlight assisted those that needed the extra illumination. Our heroes' progress is slow and as they approached the damaged campsite, there was an eery feeling of discomfort. Torchlight helped guide them but also made the shadows that much darker.

-

What remains of the camp did not look peaceful. The stench of rot and buzzing of flies assaults the group's senses long before the ruined campsite comes into view. Corpses of humanoids and hairy, grotesque creatures litter the ground. Few of the bodies remain in one piece, and most are half-eaten. Torn tents and broken gear are scattered amongst the dead and trampled into the earth. “I s-swear the Cloakwood wasn’t nearly so close t-to our camp before,” Khalid notes, pointing to the dense forest which looms nearby. An abyss of darkness only recognized in silhouette by the light of the moon. He slowly walks through the remains of the camp, picking up small pieces of gear, backpacks. "T-t-this is where it happened...", Khalid says quietly, involuntary tugging at the wedding band.

OOC: If you would like to investigate the campsite please roll a Survival or Tracking check.

This message was last updated by the GM at 20:08, Sun 29 Nov 2020.

Rak-Norag travels in silence, scanning for any signs of danger as they make their way to the campsite.

Once there, he pokes about the ransacked campsite, looking for tracks or other indications of what happened and, more importantly, where the nasty kidnapping creatures may have gone. Perhaps it is the dim light of night (or the ale and stout), but he cannot seem to find anything of import.

15:07, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Survival.

"A moment," Rhen says as he surveys the site with his eyes alone. "Let us not disturb the site too much..." Back in his element, the Wood Elf has little issue spotting disturbed ground, tracks, and other clues left behind by the gibberlings...

OOC:

12:33, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Survival-Investigate camp.

Brychan strolled through the campground, casually overturning bodies with the toe of his boot, as the outdoorsmen did they jobs. “Quite a few corpses, Khalid. You certainly weren’t defenseless. How many did you fend off, do you think?

---

OOC:
17:04, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Survival.

How big was the camp? Both geographically, and in the number of people encamped, more or less.

Khalid walks around the camp, picking up broken pieces of equipment and looking around the ripped to shreds tent, "T-t-t-there were quite a few..."

@Rak-Norag, you notice lots of what looks like footprints all over the camp. You fail to understand where they came from or where they went. The number of foot prints is simply overwhelming.


@Anyone with DC >10.

You notice what looks like a horde of small creatures appearing out of the western portion of the forest, attack the camp. It must have happened quick as you also notice additional set of prints belongings to two, larger humanoid creatures appear out of the tent, then proceed to fight back to back around the camp. At one point the smaller of the two looks like was overwhelmed and dragged away. A more thorough study of the camp reveals that gibberlins disappeared towards and across the Eastern border of the Cloakwood forest.

The remains of the camp do not produce any neither any more of clues or loot. The place is destroyed, smashed, obliterated into pieces.

"She was dragged this way," Rhen says, pointing toward the eastern edge of the Cloakwood. "Aside from the details of the fight, there are no other signs left to read." Rhen unslings his longbow from his shoulder as he speaks.

"If we go, we should be ready for trouble. There were many, and the gibberlings will know their home."

In reply to Rhen Daggerleaf (msg # 48):

Khalid looks at the sky, "It looks like the m-m-m-midnight is nearing, we should be extra careful during these hours".

Rak-Norag looks to the sky, watching the movement of clouds. His nostrils flare as he sniffs the air for signs of beasts or other creatures.

"Best not to camp in this place," he says. "Maybe we follow, find at least a better place, safer. that we can easily guard. Maybe we find these gibberlings and finish the job."

He looks along the general route indicated by the elf ranger. "Good tracking" he says to Rhen.

Brychan whistled a snatch of tune and recited under his breath:

    I met Murder on the way--
    He had a mask like Obould's grey--
    Very smooth he looked, yet grim;
    Seven blood-hounds followed him
    All were fat; and well they might
    Be in admirable plight,
    For one by one, and two by two,
    He tossed them elven hearts to chew.

"What an awful place this is. Let's be off, shall we. That way, was it, cousin?" he asked, gesturing to Rhen.

"Agreed," Rhen says as Khalid mentions the time. He reflexively squeezes the longbow in his hand.

The young Wood Elf cannot help but beam a bit at Rak-Norag's recognition. A wide grin stretches across his face, and he bows his head gratefully.

"Thank you."

When Brychan mentions the direction, Rhen's mind snaps back to the business at hand. He nods, and points in the direction the more worldly Wood Elf gestured.

"Aye," he says. "Into the woods. And if fortune favors us, perhaps not too far."

In reply to Rhen Daggerleaf (msg # 52):

As the group follows the tracks, they come across the mounds. A dozen mounds of freshly-turned dirt are piled along the forest’s edge. Each is roughly the size of a small goat, except for one very large one at the center. The arrangement of these strange mounds is chaotic and haphazard, with no apparent pattern to their construction.

Several of those mounds seem to be empty.

Rak-Norag scowls as he looks around at the fresh mounds. "We Uthgardt have our holy mounds," he says. "These do not look holy. Maybe they are for gibberlings?"

He pauses. "Maybe we fill the empty ones soon."

Brychan scratches his chin. “Hmmm. Next Khalid will tell us he and the survivors didn’t form these mounds, I suppose. Any feral faiths you know bury their dead like this, Sister?” he asked Temperance.

Temperance, who's been leading her donkey Brick along by the light she cast onto the end of her staff, thinks for a moment about Brychan's question, her tail twitching rhythmically.

"I can't think of anyone specific off the top of my head. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that gibberlings bury their dead like this - since they form large enough tribes they would have enough of a sense of community and care for those within their group to mourn the dead," she replies.

"The larger mound concerns me - it's big enough for a person, possibly several if you stacked them," she adds, pointing the glowing end of her staff at the mound in question.

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 55):

Khalid looks around the mounds, "Uh...I w-w-was made to b-b-believe that this is how they sleep. T-t-true or not...I don't know". Khalid's eyes dart from one side of the field to the next, then to the larger mound. "I am n-n-not a stealthy type!"

Brychan quietly repeated Khalid's words. "They way they... sleep."

He backed up slowly out of the cluster of mounds and unslung his whip.

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 58):

OOC:  *sweetly* How close are you to the mound? :)

OOC:
I have been dancing on top of the largest mound showing off my swol guns.

I have done nothing but teleport bread for the past three days.

I suppose I would have been near if not among them. Between 10-30' away?

At the word that gibberlings may sleep in these mounds, Rak-Norag pulls his axe out and shifts it into his left hand. He reaches over his shoulder and takes a javelin into his right, ready to throw. His eyes dart from mound to mound, looking for signs of movement.


13:10, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 5 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

You hear at first a shrill coming from within the ground, then one by one the mounds start bursting open with what looks like oily, black mass. The creatures one by one shakes off the dirt and dust, they look like pale skinned, hunchbacked humanoids with pointed ears, across the back and over the head are the black manes, the faces of the creatures are split in a wicked grin with, sharp, pointy teeth coming from within the grins. The eyes are filled with blackness, a shine of madness and something evil coming from within them.

The larger mound remains untouched.

You count 12 creatures.


Roll for initiative and state your intents with rolls for to hit/attack or whichever skill you are using.
Approximated map for orientation: https://docs.google.com/presen...EOb8/edit#slide=id.p
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:32, Wed 02 Dec 2020.

14:19, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Initiative .

B will try to get near either Khalid or Rak, whipping the first gibberling to come close (or, if they’re wearing metal — they’re naked, are they? —attacking with shocking grasp).

Presuming they’re nekked...
14:45, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Damage, whip.
14:45, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Attack roll, whip.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Wed 02 Dec 2020.

Temperance lets out a startled squeak when she sees the gibberlings erupt from the mounds, and hurriedly backs away to behind the others. <Rose>"Brick, away!"</Orange> she orders as she retreats, glancing back to where the donkey was near the part of the clearing where they'd all come in.

07:13, Today: Temperance rolled 5 using 1d20+1. Initiative.

Temperance wants to get behind the others, switch from her staff to her crossbow, and order her donkey to get well away from combat so the gibberlings don't hurt him.

07:16, Today: Temperance rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Animal Handling.

As the foul creatures emerge all around them, Rak-Norag is slightly stunned. He moves a little slow, letting the javelin fall to earth as the creatures are practically upon them. Then, he feels the spirits of dead tribesmen rising in his soul, their unearthly shrieks in his mind urging him to battle. He snarls, steps up to the closest creature and with a fierce two-handed swing slams the blade of his greataxe into the thing.

Initiative: 8
Bonus Action: Rage On! (Adv on Str checks and saves; resistance to slashing, piercing, bludgeoning damage; +2 damage)
Move/other: Drop javelin, move to closest enemy (if one isn't already on him when his turn comes up)
Greataxe Attack 22, Damage 8

17:16, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 8 using 1d12+5.  Damage.
17:15, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Greataxe Attack.
17:10, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Rhen is caught flat-footed by the gibberlings' appearance. He spits a curse at having missed the signs of their presence. The young elf brings his longbow to bear. When Temperance moves to protect her donkey, he tries to line up a shot on the gibberling nearest to the beast of burden...

OOC:

15:04, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
15:07, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Atk w/ Longbow. (I'm guessing that's a miss)

Ellerie shakes her head as the Gibberlings emerged. Drawing her shord blade and securing her buckler, she moves forward prepared to strike at these things. "Be careful, there are a good number of these things. Do not let them surround you and do not let your guard down."


Slowly Maneuvers around the foes trying to avoid being surrounded.
22:02, Today: Ellerie, rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
22:05, Today:  Ellerie, rolled 6 using 1d20+5. Short Sword Attack

==============================================================================================
Initiative tracker
Ellerie = 12
Brychan Llywarch = 8
Rak-Norag = 8
Khalid = 7
Temperance = 5
Rhen Daggerleaf = 5
Gibberlings = 3
==============================================================================================

Ellerie is the first one to respond to the attack, she slashes at the first gibberling, however the sword only finds air.

==============================================================================================

Brychan attacks the nearest gibberling to run up to Khalid, the creature makes an odd noise, convulses. A smell of singed hair and burnt flesh spreads through the air. It falls dead to the ground.

OOC: G11, out.

==============================================================================================

Rak-Norag notices a gibberling pop out of the crown, before it can react the creature is cleaved in half by barbarian.

OOC: G12, dead.

==============================================================================================

Khalid runs forward towards the two of the monsters standing almost shoulder to shoulder. A scimitar in his hand and the shield raised above his neck he slashes at the first creature, twirling full 360 degrees, then slashes for the second time. Both gibberlings fall to the ground dead.

OOC: G9, G1 dead.

==============================================================================================

Temperance has no problem circling around and getting herself behind the beefier party members. Her friendly donkey listens to her owner's command.

==============================================================================================

Rhen's vision must have been obstructed by a donkey, his aim is off at the bolt flies off into the forest.

==============================================================================================

G4 and G5 launch themselves at the group, snarling and slashing with their claws. One scratching at Khalid's armor, but not doing much, if any damage to the armor itself. The other
swiping at the barbarian (Rak-Norag), missing entirely.

The rest of the gibberlings dash towards the group attempting to overwhelm them, their animalistic howling and shrieking echoing through the forest.

==============================================================================================

End of round one. If no objections or required claritifications. Round 2.
A total of 8 gibberlings remain. The large mount, unsure if stated previously is G4.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:27, Thu 03 Dec 2020.

Figured I'd post since we're all before the Gib's?
Will we be doing individual or side init, or a mix of the two?

---

Seeing the creatures fall to sword and axe and whip, Brychan heartened and began to sing as he slew.

    But when indeed the day with her white steeds
    Held all the earth, resplendent to behold,
    First from the Luskans the loud-resounding din
    Of song triumphant came; and shrill at once
    Echo responded from the island rock.
    Then upon all Ruathym terror fell,
    Thus disappointed; for not as for flight
    The Host sang the holy pæan then,
    But setting forth to battle valiantly.

---

OOC:
00:14, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  R2 Attack, whip, gibberling.
00:15, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  R2 Damage whip.

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 69):

I find it easier to do side for one type of monster, as suggested by the book. Then case by case basis of players.

Rhen frowns as his shot goes wide. He falls back, glancing behind him as he tries to put a bit of distance between him and the gibberlings. He knocks another arrow and lets fly at the closest enemy. His aim is far truer this time, and the arrow streaks toward a gibberling's eye...

OOC:

22:32, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Atk w/ Longbow.
22:33, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 19 using 1d8+11.  Dmg (crit).

Rak-Norag yanks his bloody axe from the gibberling's body and swings it once more, but this time the attack is wild and clumsy.

But he seems unfazed. "All of you!" he yells at the creatures as they swarm the group. "All of you come and die!"


09:31, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Greataxe Attack.

Moving forward to fully engage, Ellerie swings her short blade. Drawing upon the precision training she had instilled in her by her father inadvertently, she guides the blade towards the nearest gibberling.


21:59, Today: Ellerie rolled 5 using 1d6+3.  Damage.

21:57, Today: Ellerie rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Slice.
Use Martial Dice
21:58, Today: Ellerie rolled 1 using 1d6.  Precision.

Satisfied that Brick was now out of the way, Temperance turns her attention to the remaining gibberlings. She places one hand over her emblem and speaks, gesturing towards the closest gibberlings with the tip of her staff, calling forth a burst of grey-white flame.

Action: Cast Sacred Flame at nearest gibberling to her.
Gibberling must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take 2 Radiant damage.
16:59, Today: Temperance rolled 2 using 1d8. Sacred Flame.

• ==============================================================================================
• Initiative tracker
• Ellerie = 12
• Brychan Llywarch = 8
• Rak-Norag = 8
• Khalid = 7
• Temperance = 5
• Rhen Daggerleaf = 5
• Gibberlings = 3
• ==============================================================================================

==============================================================================================

Ellerie notices gibberlings dashing towards attempting to overwhelm them. She slices at one of them with her sword, cutting it's ear and gruesomely wounding it.

OOC: 5 damage G2
==============================================================================================

Brychan has his whip wraps itself around gibberling throat, breaking it's neck.

G13 is dead.
==============================================================================================

Barbarian misses an approaching creature.

==============================================================================================

Khalid surveys the area, pondering for a moment he dashes towards the larger mound.
"J-J-JAHEIRA! CAN YOU HEAR ME, M-M-M-MY LOVE?!", he yells breathing heavily as he runs.

OOC: Next time if not interrupted he will attempt to dig through the mound.

==============================================================================================

Temperance flame hits the gibberling which Ellerie already hit. The gibberling hair light up, the creature starts screaming in pain as it is engulfed by a flame.

OOC: G2 is dead
==============================================================================================

Rhen's arrow pierces gibberling eyes, the head explodes like a ripe pumpkin from the sheer force.
Headless corpse falls on the ground, while spraying the surrounding area and everyone around it with blood.

OOC: G3 is dead
==============================================================================================

The group hears some rumbling. The sounds of shrieking can be heard coming from beyond the edge of the forest and from below the ground.

Additional 6 gibberlings appear from the mounds.

G4 attempts to grapple Rak-Norag. It succeeds jumping on top of the barbarian and scratching at his body.

G5 slashes at Rak-Norag with it's crooked dagger and misses.

G6 thrashes at Rak-Norag missing with it's sharp claws.

OOC: DC 10 str or dex check to get out of grapple. Otherwise at advantage of stabby-stabby, scratchy-scratchy by gibberlings.

G7: Slashes at Khalid as he runs past by.

OOC: 6 points of damage to Khalid.

G8: The gibberling stabs Ellerie with it's dagger. The weapon finds it's way through the armor injuring the fighter.

OOC: 6 points of damage to Ellerie.

G10 attempts to grapple Ellerie, but misses.

G13 slashes at Brychan with the claws, injuring him.

OOC: 4 points of damage.

6 new gibberling appear to be reading themselves to attack the group.

==============================================================================================

You hear more howling and shrieking coming from beneath the ground...

==============================================================================================

TALLY:
G1-, G2-, G3-, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8, G9-, G10, G11-, G12-, G13-

H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:22, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

Rhen grins at the grisly result of his shot. However, it quickly transforms into a frown as he hears and sees gibberling reinforcements storm the area. He does his best to keep his distance from the oncoming attackers. When he sees one latch onto Rak-Norag, he lets fly an arrow at the grappling gibberling...

OOC:

10:38, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Atk w/ Longbow.
10:38, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  Dmg.

Brychan loosed the whip from the broken neck of the creature, and shouted at Khalid, "FOCUS! Your ring says she's alive, so she's alive! But we won't be!"

He coiled his whip, readying it for another strike, but sent a bolt of fire at the gibberling who had attacked their employer.

---

OOC:
14:00, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Firebolt, attack G7.
14:01, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 3 using 1d12.  Firebolt damage G7.

Rak-Norag lets out a bellow and shakes off the grappling gibbering like it's no more than a annoying bug. He follows up with another swing of his greataxe. If the blade strikes true and the creature falls, he whips the blade out of its body and strikes at another one of the creatures with a brutal backswing.

Not sure if a 12 hits, but if it does, damage is 17. As that will almost certainly down the gibbering, as a bonus action he'll take another attack via Great Weapon Master feat.

15:57, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 11 using 1d12+5.  Damage.
15:57, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Bonus attack - Great Weapon Master.
14:53, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 17 using 1d12+5.  Damage.
14:52, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Greataxe Attack.
12:58, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Str Check vs Grapple w/Advantage - Roll One. (Actually 16, forgot prof bonus, but no matter)

"How is there more of them?" Temperance complains as she hears the cries of reinforcements.

She sees Khalid dash through everyone to the mound in the thick of battle, unheeding of everything else, places her hand over Ilmater's emblem again and reaches out to him, making a gesture with her hands as she speaks.

Action: Cast Sanctuary on Khalid.
Lasts for 1 minute (not concentration) or until Khalid breaks it.

• ==============================================================================================
• Initiative tracker
• Gibberlings II = 15
• Ellerie = 12
• Brychan Llywarch = 8
• Rak-Norag = 8
• Khalid = 7
• Gibberlings II = 6
• Temperance = 5
• Rhen Daggerleaf = 5
• Gibberlings = 3
• ==============================================================================================

============================================================================================
Newly arrived gibberlings do not lose any time running and slashing at the adventurers.

H1, H2, H3 attempting to run up to and overwhelm the barbarian.

H1 and H2 attach themselves to Rak-Norag one around the man's feet and another one attaches itself to the torso, it's clawing and trying to move to the back.

H3 slashes with it's small sword at the barbarian's feet, easily penetrating the pants and connecting with some flesh.
OOC: 6 points of damage. Both are again grappling with you, DC is the same

H4, H5 are trying to grab and and scratch at sorcerer protecting Khali. One hit succeeds, while another misses.

OOC: 3 points of damage

H6 attempting to attack Khalid, it misses.

============================================================================================
Ellerie attacks another gibberling running up to her. The attack is swift and deadly, the lobbed off head flies up into the sky, then shortly bounces off into the grass.

13:55, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ellerie, rolled 6 using 1d6.

13:55, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ellerie, rolled 23 using 1d20+

OOC: G5


==============================================================================================

Brychan's whip lands a hit on the gibberling. You swear you can hear it's lower, guttural, viscous giggle. It throws the dagger in it's mouth and attempts at jumping Khalid.

OOC: Good hit, still alive though G7.
==============================================================================================
The towering barbarian able to shake a mass of hair, it falls on the ground, then immediately pounded into the ground deeper by a hit from an axe. The creature no longer moves. As another gibberling attack Rak-Norag it is too split almost in half by a mighty hit from an axe.

OOC: G6 and G8, I believe.
==============================================================================================

Khalid wincing drops on the ground and starts digging around the soft soil. The look of triumphs momentarily switches to a look of shock, "T-t-there are more people here. At least 3! H-h-honey, h-h-h-oney!"

A dirt covered face of an elf with a grimace of pain and anger appears from below the mount, "WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG, KHALID?! I sure thought I would have been dead", Jaheira loudly says to Khalid enunciating every...single...word...very...clearly. "Unbind me, now!"

One can observe ashen looking faces of what looks like two humanoids bound next to Jaheira.t
==============================================================================================

Temperance spells cast hopefully will help Khalid.
==============================================================================================

The grappling gibberling already dead the ranger chooses another target. The shot is well placed, as the mass of matted hair lies dead on the ground a moment later.

OOC: G10 is gone.
==============================================================================================

Sole remaining gibberling from the original attacking group bites at Khalids ankle, it does not seem to do any damage to the armored boot.
==============================================================================================

You hear more rumblings from beneath the ground, as 2 new gibberlings jump out of the burrows.

OOC: Uh...oh...Who rolled well on gibberling knowledge? If you did above 15 a quick recollection of that memory may bring you an idea that colony of gibberlings may be anywhere between 250 to 1000 creatures.


TALLY:
G1-, G2-, G3-, G4, G5-, G6-, G7, G8-, G9-, G10-, G11-, G12-, G13-

H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6

I1, I2

"This is their home," Rhen replies to Temperance as he draws another arrow. "More will come so long as we stay." He glances over toward Khalid, and breathes a sigh of relief when it turns out the Half-Elf has found his wife.

"Free them and I shall cover you as best I can," he says as he lets another arrow fly---one that flies well wide of its mark. "Then I advise we retreat. Gibberling hordes can number in the hundreds."

OOC:

11:27, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 16 using 1d20+2.  Nature-Gibberling.
11:33, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Atk w/ Longbow.

The gibberling hit Brychan, and attracted his attention.

"Dammit you filthy grub-botherer!" Brychan shouted and in a single smooth motion drew his curved sabre, and severed the head off the foul beast.

Risking leaving himself open to attack from the remaining gibberling, Brychan begins to withdraw away from the mound towards what relative safety exists away from the melee, but the monster took advantage of the opening, and a claw raked across the sorcerer's chest. [Private to GM: DM, would you please roll Damage? Unless they don't get to take OAs, lol.]

---

OOC:
16:45, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 9 using 1d6+3.  Damage Shortsword.
16:45, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Attack H4, Shortsword.

16:57, Today: Secret Roll: Brychan Llywarch rolled 16 using 1d20.  Gibberling's OA on B (does not include bonus).
Welp. Guess I hope he does 3 or less damage!

"Hundreds?!" Ellerie exclaims incredulously. "Let's prepare to fall back." She breaths in deeply recollecting herself and slices at the nearest creature.

---

Bonus Action: Second Wind to heal to full
01:00, Today: Ellerie rolled 8 using 1d10+1.  Second Wind

Attack action
01:00, Today: Ellerie rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Attack.
01:00, Today: Ellerie rolled 6 using 1d6+3.  Damage.

Rak-Norag snarls and bellows as he shucks off two more gibberlings. They've scratched him a bit, but he shows no signs of slowing down. He swings his massive axe again, but the sheer number of foes may be getting to him, as it is not a particularly effective strike.

Grapple checks of 25 and 14 on the two gibberlings (figured out in PM, thanks DM)
Attack 11, Damage 14 (if that hits)
Bonus Attack if first one killed gibberling - 6 (natural one!)

11:17, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Possible Bonus Attack.
11:14, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 14 using 1d12+5.  Damage.
08:29, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Grappler 2 Str Check Roll 2.
08:29, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Grappler 2 Str Check Roll 1.
08:28, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Str Check Roll 2.
08:28, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Grapple Str Check w/Adv Roll 1.
17:07, Yesterday: Rak-Norag rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Greataxe Attack.

"Hundreds? Oh no..."

Temperance dashes to the mound, casting a spell on herself along the way, and settles in to help Khalid rescue everyone else trapped under there.

Casting Sanctuary on herself, then going to rescue everyone from the mound.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 80):

• ==============================================================================================
• Initiative tracker
• Jaheira = 17
• Gibberlings II = 15
• Ellerie = 12
• Brychan Llywarch = 8
• Rak-Norag = 8
• Khalid = 7
• Gibberlings III = 6
• Temperance = 5
• Rhen Daggerleaf = 5
• Gibberlings = 3
• ==============================================================================================

==============================================================================================

H1: While grappling the barbarian it attempts to claws at the man, however going for a wild ride it misses.

H2: Holding for a dear life it's claw find only air.

H3: The tiny dagger slashes at the boots of Rak-Norag, but fails to penetrate.

H4: Noticing Brychan attempting to run away, it smells his blood slashing at him, it however misses by a mile.

H5: It dashes towards and around Brychan attempting to corner him

H6: Thrusting it's dagger at a half elf attempting to rescue his wife, the creature throw's it arm out and drops the dagger.

OOC: Well...crap...unlucky rolls all around for me.
==============================================================================================

Seeing the fighter heal the gibberling is either startled or shocked. This pause proves to cost the creature it's life. The gibberlings head flies off it's shoulders.

OOC: H5
==============================================================================================

Brychan puts some distance between himself at attacking gibberlings. One lucky dodge and the creature misses him. The hit from a short sword turns the black hairy mass into a bloody, black mess.

OOC: H4. My apologies...or not. Did not see OA roll, did mine. Failed.
==============================================================================================

As the barbarian snarls and bellows at the gibberlings both of them fly off the man. One is stunned as it is floored into the ground and another is turned into a blood pulp by a raging madman.

OOC: H1.Impressive show of strength and grappling. I'll give disadventage to the both gibberlings as they are shaken off. One killed, one is on the ground.
==============================================================================================

Khalid is able to untie his wife. The woman looks around...at the bodies of gibberlings and bleeding husband and some of the party, "Run you fools! We will get overwhelmed!", she pushes Khalid towards the rest of the party and out of the forest.

==============================================================================================

Temperance able to run up to the mound and untie another person. Looking around the mound there are several other bodies sticking out of the ground, however none of them seem to be alive. The one you untie is a human, man in his 60s. Balding hair with a long, bushy beard. The man looks like he was starved nearly to death, his face, skin caked in death. There are several wounds all over his body.
==============================================================================================

Rhen's arrow punctures gibberling which attack the barbarian straight through.

OOC: H2
==============================================================================================

OOC: I would consider end of combat, you did very well against gibberlings and even though there are hundreds of them in the mounds, you seem to have done well keeping them at bay. My understanding after helping whoever you could, you have decided to otherwise cut your loses and escape with the victims. Good job. To be continued.

H1-, H2-, H3, H4-, H5-, H6

After approximately 20 minutes you are able to lose the gibberlings chasing you in the woods. You can still hear the shrieking and yelping of the creatures, soundings upset that they did not get to keep you for dinner.

The man who was rescued by Temperance is heavily breathing, a little longer and it looks like he may pass out. If one to look at him closer, one might see that at one point he was a very, well dressed man in an expensive clothes. Now...well, he is malnourished, old, man with barely hanging clothes, several abrasions and cuts around his body, as well as dirt covered face and otherwise disheveled opinion. He looks at Temperance, eyes slightly rolling in the back of his skull, he whispers something...swallows hard, whispers something again...shakes his head, then repeats, "Tha.....thank you, dear...."


==============================================================================================

Jaheira out of breath as well, however does not wait a moment to study her husband, then the man, then herself. She casts a few spells, murmuring something to herself, then nodding reassuringly, "Good...good. You should be alright, the infection did not fully set in, yet. Another two tendays and you both and I would have been dead...anyone else require my aid?"

============================================================================================

If one was to look at Khalid, one would describe him a happy man. A slight smile crosses his face, as he props himself against the tree.

============================================================================================

OOC: Milestone reached. You have reached level 2. Congratulations for surviving the ambush. If you'd like can do perception or knowledge on the man. Or ask whichever you would like either of NPCs. Jaheira will be more than happy to heal anyone else who requires that.

Reluctant to retreat but capable of understanding basic odds even while raging, Rak-Norag is the last to disengage, keeping the foes back with a wide swing of his axe as the others start to fall back. Finally, he spits at the enemies before turning to follow the others, his long legs carrying him rapidly through the forest as the rage of battle fades.

He takes a seat against a tree when the group finally stops, catching his breath. He watches the woman use her healing magic and a dark expression crosses his face. He has long been away from his Uthgardt homeland, but the tribe's aversion to magic still comes to him like a gut reaction, even though he has learned to accept that such things have their uses.

He waves her away. "I am fine. They barely touched me."

He takes a drink of water and keeps his eyes and ears on the woods.

Will use HD in short rest to gain back 3 HP lost, now at full

"Barely touched me as well, but," Brychan sighed, "I doubt they'll leave any scars to brag about. Alas.

"On the bright side, you all did help me drive off those pestilent beasts to rescue this fair maid, ah hah... matron! in need of aid." He gave a flourish and bowed to Jaheria. "Brychan Llywarch is my name, perhaps you've heard of me. No need for thanks; we're well compensated; hero's duty and all that."

---

OOC:
Knowing Jaheria from BGI&II I look forward to her and B getting along like a house on fire. Lol.

Despite the danger nipping at their heels during the retreat, Rhen cannot help but grin. The rescue attempt was successful, and Khalid is now reunited with his missing partner. Rescuing others from the gibberlings' grasp is an unexpected boon, but a welcome one. Surely, this will be a deed he can share with his people once his rite is over.

He goes over to Khalid and claps him on the back.

"A successful hunt," he says, "and a quick one, too. The stars smiled on us tonight."

Rhen takes inventory of the group's condition, silently observing the rescued members. He watches with interest as Jaheira treats the injured, and is clearly curious about the old man.

"Should I set up camp?" he asks the group. "Or should we continue on to the Friendly Arms?"

OOC:

09:53, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

I don't know if Rhen would have heard of the old man, but he'd probably recognize whether he was a sage, wizard, king, or miniature giant space hamster...

Temperance gently lowers the man she rescued to the ground. "You're always welcome. Rest for now, you're safe with us. The Friendly Arm Inn isn't too far away." She reaches into Brick's saddlebags and takes out some rations and water, passing them to her patient. "I have no healing magic left beyond food and water - take it slowly, you're at no risk of running out," she counsels.

When Rhen suggests setting up camp, Temperance looks to her patient and back. "If I could prevail on some of you to help carry Brick's supplies, I could have him carry our wounded back to the Inn."

Rak-Norag nods at Temperance's request. "I will help carry the load," he says. He will help move saddlebags, hoisting what he can onto his broad back and shoulders. He'll then help secure the injured man onto the mule. He gives Brick the occasional pat and kind word, figuring it is always a good idea to be on the good side of a helpful beast.

19:13, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Animal Handling.

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 89):

Jaheira looks Brychan with a scowl, "I would have expected nothing else from my husband have failed in diplomacy and instead would be in need to compensate you...Alas, it would take a sailor to untie the knot that is my husband's tongue", she turns around ignoring the wood elf now.

Looking around the area and studying the group she talks to self, "Good be worse, I 'spose...". When hearing Rhen inquiring about the camp she shakes her head, "This would not be ideal. These forests are not safe, the gibberlings are worse than they have ever been. Friendly Arms Inn was our meeting point. The call you all received was not for my rescue, but for a bigger job we require of you. What say you?", she stops talking awaiting reaction.

In reply to Rak-Norag (msg # 92):

Brick really likes Rak-Norags pets. It headbutts barbarian's thigh and continues trotting next to him.

Rhen is unsure how to respond to Jaheira's request. Her pause after posing the question makes him somewhat uncomfortable, as he is being asked to commit to something before knowing the extent of the demand. He takes a few moments to put together his answer.

"I shall do what I can to help," he says after a few seconds. "Although I cannot be sure how much help I will be without knowing what is expected of me. At the very least, I can at least guide us safely back to the Friendly Arms Inn."

In reply to Rhen Daggerleaf (msg # 95):

"I understand the hesitation, I am unsure how much Khalid have told you. Him and I are part of the group called Harpers. We are sword to protect people of Faerun of any dangers and keeping it in balance", her voice becomes low and already thick Tethyrian accent even thicker. "When we were attacked by these creatures, Khalid and I were summoned to Baldur's Gate by our close friend and fellow Harper. She has strong suspiscious of a growing threat in the city. We needed somebody new, but headstrong, and good. Your task for why you were summoned to the tavern was not to rescue me, but to help us unravel this mystery. I am unsure what my husband have promised, but I am willing to pay 100 gold pieces a person in order to hire you again".

She motions at Khalid and pats her waist. Khalid gets up from underneath the tree, he takes his bag slung over the shoulder and rummages through it. Than he walks up to every member of the party producing a small purse of what sounds like coin to each of you.


OOC: +50 gps to each person.

The old man looks back and forth as the group discusses their business. He coughs, "I...uh. If you decide to travel to Baldur's Gate I hope you won't mind me tagging along. My name is Jorvan Strider and I am a merchant from Amn. Was 'spose to be an easy job, the two fellows in the dirt were my fellow merchants...I do not have money on me at this moment, but I will find a way to repay you, if you are kind enough to let me get with you to the city".

"Harpers, are you? All about 'balance' right? I figure that means you get pretty wide discretion about whose face you decide to kick sand into. Good rep for that, though, gotta say!

"And don't be all hard up about your guy; Khalid did just fine getting us to come along. But really, what did you expect? When you're offering mercenary work you tend to get mercenary types, eh?"

Brychan picked up a handfull of stones and began juggling them. "Now it's double the fee for some mysterious errand your ladyfriend co-worker has suspicions about? Not bad not bad. Alright. Room and board and travel expenses - doesn't have to be Blushin' Mermaid, just clean and dry - and on top of that 100gp gets you a solid tenday of Brychan. Can't promise much more than that; manager says I gotta keep my schedule clear for engagements, see?"

He looked at Strider. "A merchant from Amn?" He looked around theatrically. "Not much merchandise. Gibberlings eat your cart? What were ye hauling?" Narrowing his eyes he said, "... Or are you one of them paper merchants, selling nothing but promises about stuff delivered in the future?"

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 98):

Jaheira raises her eyebrow at the elf, then looks at Khalid,"Did you hire a court jester perchance, husband? If you did, that this one is a failed one for sure,..", she walks away from Brychan ignoring his further remarks.

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 98):

The merchant looks startled, "I am indeed a merchant from the city of Amn. My cart was waylaid by the gibberlings, knowing Baldur's Gate and the areas around it, I have no doubt my cart was already looted and burnt, as for my friends...I will have to be speaking to their families of their terrible fates. If you object, I guess I will have to find my way there some other way".

Rak-Norag nods in response to receiving the coin purse. "Fair enough," he says to Jaheira. "You paid your debt quickly. I will work for you again--gladly."

He sighs audibly at Brychan's stream of words and their employer's not unreasonable reaction. Moving away from the pack animal, shouldering additional gear, Rak-Norag nods and smiles at the verbose wood elf. "Do not worry. I am not so sure you are a failed jester."

He looks to the merchant. "I care not if you join us."

“No objections here either, merchant. And if you’ve no cart, find a sleigh: just be sure to follow in the sheet of ice laid by our matron’s passage.”

Brychan winked at Rak-Norag. “Alas, northman, I am indeed a failed jester!” he said with mock lament. “Every ribald told at the Matron’s Mound laid my audience dead, but nary a laugh among them!”

Temperance nods as she walks along beside Brick. "Don't you worry - once you're healed up if we don't take you there someone will, but I'm happy to help you get there. I gather it's not far from here?"

She thanks Jaheira when she pays her, before splitting the contents of the coin pouch into two piles and placing them in separate pouches.

Rhen listens carefully to Jaheira and the others. He gratefully accepts the gold, tucking it into a hand-sewn leather pouch at his belt.

"I know the name 'Harper,'" the young Wood Elf says, "but little more than that. The exchange is fair, and I shall contribute however I can."

Rhen stays out of the back-and-forth involving Brychan and Jaheira. He simply watches the exchange, puzzled by their interaction. He shrugs, and turns his attention to the merchant.

"I am happy to have you travel with us. It always helps to have an extra set of hands to forage, and another pair of eyes for watch."

Jaheira nods, "Good, good. Looks like everyone is almost in agreement. Our friend is Imoen, a fellow harper and a close friend. She is in her 20s, however may look younger. Light brown hair, green eyes, visible scar over her right eye. She usually wears leather armor with a green cloak. She is expecting us in Elfsong Tavern. The tavern is located on the East, Lower City portion of Baldur's Gate. If you are near Wyrm's Crossing you are there. Khalid and I need to speak to return to Friendly Arms Inn, we will catch you in Baldur's Gate in 10 days. If any correspondence need to be exchanged, then speak to Imoen. She will relay information to us. Oh and if she asks for a secret word use Shadowdale".

She holds a long pause, "If we are in agreement, then I suggest we set out right away. These forests are not safe".

Rak-Norag looks to his newfound comrades as he realizes that Jaheira is suggesting they go their separate ways, with the group not returning to the Friendly Arms but heading for Baldur's Gate.

"Maybe we get out of these woods and find a place to camp," he says. "Or maybe we just go as hard as we can, make it to the next inn. No matter. I can find us food wherever we end up."

Ellerie takes time to clean her blade and listens to those that were freed, "Personally, I would like to continue as far as we can, to put as much distance between us and the mound as possible. I am happy to help and willing to head towards Baldur's Gate, regardless of its infamy."

Brychan nods at Jaheria's description and laughs at Ellerie's opinion of Baldur's Gate. "Infamous? Well, I suppose it has its share of villains. There was that one B'spawn making trouble there a few years ago, but really, can you blame him for wanting to take over one of the jewels of the Sword Coast? Not that anything happened of it. I heard tell the Flaming Fist got their gauntlets caved in trying to kill the bugger, so they wound up collapsing a building on top of him. Omelets and eggs, eh?

"Besides, good work there, for those willing to take it, Imoen's job besides."

[Private to GM: Sorry if I'm wrecking timelines; are we between Baldur's Gate I and II? Or after II?]

Rhen listens quietly as the others speak. He notes the group's preference for distance over rest, and Rak-Norag's mentioning of being able to forage. The young Elf nods silently before turning his attention to the sky.

"During this season, the Proud Hart stands in the sky," he murmurs to himself as he reads the stars. "It's Antlers point toward the North, while the Shy Hare runs to the East. Based on the stars, Baldur's Gate should lie in that direction." Rhen points toward the North.

"I should be able to lead us quickly through these woods, and keep our direction true across the grasslands. I am unfamiliar with the city layout, but my Tribe teaches each Daggerleaf how to learn the signs and ways in any new land we happen to find."

He places his hands over his chest and bows toward Khalid and Jaheira in what appears to be a sign of respect.

"May Gentle Suns and Pleasant Moons light your way, and lead our paths to cross at the Elfsong."

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 108):

Jaheira's eyes narrow, nostrils seem to flare a little, "Ain't we an informed fellow? He got what he deserved, the city itself is a blight on the nature itself, if you ask me! Khalid, we need to go, now."

Khalid looks at Brychan with a puzzled and concerned look, as he passes he whispers quietly, "Y-y-you really shouldn't be bringing this up with her..."

Before leaving, Jaheira gives party one more look. Her features a little softer now, "This may be a dangerous quest you are undertaking, Take care of yourselves and take care of Imoen", she nods at Rhen and starts walking deeper into the woods with Khalid at her side.

OOC: Rhen, it is about a day away of walking from where you are to Baldur's Gate. Give me 3 survival rolls please, one after another.

Rhen takes point in trying to guide the group. He is visibly excited at having the chance to contribute to the group, and that anxious energy does detract a bit from his natural skill...

OOC:

22:01, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Survival 1. (Add +2 if we're still in the Forest for a total of 11, but still eeeecchhh)
22:02, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Survival 2.
22:03, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Survival 3.

I'M SORRY!!! >_<

In reply to Rhen Daggerleaf (msg # 111):

It would have taken about a day to get to Baldur's Gate, however Rhen was either nervous or the unfamiliar woods filled with nasty creatures were putting him off. It takes a day and a half of walking to finally make it to the front entrance of Baldur's Gate.

First the forest recedes followed by smaller farms, then larger buildings. As you go around the corner you notice walls of Baldur's Gate starting to get closer and higher. Several more minutes and you approach the entrance.

It is blocked by from what you can see 5 guards, dressed in Flaming Fist armor. One who seems to be a higher ranking talks to a small line of people ahead of you. A few words, some coins exchanged and he continues to motion people forward. It is finally your turn. He motions for you to approach him. His voice is rushed and bored at the same time, "Standard fee of 1 copper per each person entering the city of Baldur's Gate. Additional one copper for any stock brought in, one per head", he motions for the group to provide the payments, "Additionally state your intent of coming to this city. Pleasure or business? Alright? Sounds good"

OOC: Those who paid he motions through into the city without awaiting the answer to his question. Those who do not provide the payment are met with a suspicious look".

Rhen breathes a sigh of relief when the city comes into sight. He walks, head hung low out of shame for making several childish mistakes in reading the Cloakwood. When they arrive at the gate, he quickly fetches the coin from his purse.

"Please," he says to the group as he fetches coins, "let me pay to make amends for being such a poor guide."

OOC:

Rhen will pay for the group's entry unless someone stops him. I think that's 5 for the party, 1 for the merchant, and 1 for Temperance's Brick?

Rak-Norag nods at Rhen's generous gesture and won't object to the wood elf paying their entrance . "Fair enough," he says. "But do not worry too much about it."

He leaves it to the group's clever tongue to speak with the guards and stands in silence after speaking to Rhen.

"Goodness gracious, Captain, that presents us with a bit of a pickle, for our business is something we take great pleasure in! Ha ha! Brychan Llywarch is my name, perhaps you've heard of me... I don't suppose Baeloth the Entertainer has been given an operating license by the Parliament or the Master of Drains, yet, has he? Ah, but I get ahead of myself..."

Brychan gestures to Jorvan. "We are escorting this unfortunate merchant whose caravan was waylaid near the Cloakwood, and ah..." he coughs, "there will be several in need of comfort at the Temple of Ilmater because of it." He held his hands in a posture he'd seen Temperance adopt, bending his face to something resembling piety.

[Private to GM: 10:46, I don't think B was asking the guard anything, but just in case...
Today: Secret Roll: Brychan Llywarch rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Dice Roll - CHA.
Deception and Persuasion would both have an additional +2, if that's relevant.]

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 115):

Guard squints at Brychan, takes money from Rhen and continues motioning people through. Ponders for a moment and gives copper back to Rhen, “Entertainment? We need more entertainers! You know what, yo sort enters for free today. What’s name of your troupe? , he carried on absentmindedly.


Map: https://www.aidedd.org/atlas/index.php?map=B&l=1

OOC: If you are done with the guard the new thread had been posted, this one will be unstickied.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

~~ Oh wouldn’t the Balance Queen just love for us to be dedicated in her honor... ~~

“‘Heira’s Heroes’, my good Captain! And thank’ee! Keep them ears peeled for word of us!”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Wed 16 Dec 2020.