The journey from the keep is peaceful, the sky is clear, not a cloud up above.  As you approach the function in the road south of the keep you see far off in the distance to the west, a caravan of four wagons heading to towards you.

By the time they reached the junction, Thromm was singing an old dwarven drinking song with the gusto of the doomed. If you already knew and sought your end, there was freedom in that. THromm lived his life in the moment and at break-neck pace. He had no time for worries. Still, as the caravan was spotted, his singing quieted but did not stop. Enjoying a fine day was not the same as being incautious; seeking your doom was not the same as inviting it.

"They are headed our way," Tegan said as he eyed the approaching caravan.

"I wonder if they have any news of what lies up ahead."

"Well, we can wait here and ask when they come," Nthanda said stepping of the road and sitting in the grass, preferably under the shade of a tree.

"Fair enough." Zenphar, stands under the same tree where the drow warlock is sitting. "Of course, they are coming from the west and we are heading east. Still news is news."

After half an hour or so the caravan comes to the cross section.  The first of the wagons being drawn by four large horses, turns onto the road to the keep.  Driving the wagon is human dressed in dark blue clothes with a yellow crescent moon on his chest.  Beside him is a dwarf in the same uniform with a fiery red beard. The next wagon is probably a minute or two behind the first.

Tegan casually walked out to the edge of the road. He halted near to the first of the incoming wagons, and called out "Greetings!"

"Any news worthy of repeating? We are venturing out of the keep, and heading in the direction of the Fens."

Thromm stood silently as Tegan approached the wagons and tried to solve the puzzle of their origin as a game to amuse himself. Coming from the west, the wagons were probably not from the area. They could be locals returning home, he supposed, but thought it unlikely. Travelers or traders, most like. Leanaeing to the side, he saw the dwarf on the other wagon then turned around to look east. He rubbed idly at his bearded chin and looked as far east aas the road would allow. There was the chance the wagons would turn and head north to the keep; there was the chance they were traveling past along the road east. That was dangerous territory as their own recent explorations had attested. He waited and listened as he made room on the road for the wagons to pass.

While Tegan and Thromm speak to the caravaners, Zenphar casually spins an arrow while watching from the tree, and speaks quietly to Nthanda.

"Hmmmm. Looks like they are wearing a uniform of sorts. But the blue does not match the orange of the Keep guards.

Perhaps the moon is the insignia of their trading coster?"

The driver pulled the reigns drawing the wagon to a halt.  "The trip has been quiet.  Haven't had to crack a skull in days, but I guess I can't be surprised.  The High Moon Company had only agreed to travel out here because people promised us the road is now safe."  The dwarf called down.
"I heard that there is a new church being built out here.  Things must be going well if the clergy are spending money."  The driver added as he tried to calm the horses.

Tegan chuckled at the mention of a new temple. "I would not bet the farm on that temple coming to pass."

Smiling, he added, "Mayhap it will, but the one who is the driving force behind making it happen is a Half-Orc who, shall we say, becomes easily distracted."

"I would not be at all surprised to hear that Ukhtusk has decided that 'tis time to go kill somebody or something, and that he has scampered off to the Wilds instead of staying around to oversee the construction of a temple."

"I am surprised the news traveled so far so quickly.  Suspicious, you might say," Nathanda says in a lower voice, mostly aimed at her companions and not the merchants.

The driver chuckled at comments from Tegan.
"If the church isn't built there will be a lot of people dressed in red.  The company was sent an order a ridiculous amount of red cloth.  The High Moon will be paid either way, the Keep can't afford to have bad debts with the trading company or shipments will dry up."  The dwarf adds but does not share the same humour has his companion.

Zenphar stifles a chuckle, "It sounds like Ukhtusk requested the supplies, so it was not a matter of gossip!"

"Well, I am ready to proceed," Nthanda says to her companions, though she keeps eyeing the wagons to see what other wares are carried to the Keep.  She also keeps herself hooded and as much out of sight of the merchants as possible.

To find a good spot to cross the river will require DC15 Survival (Wisdom) check

Once the party neared the river, Tegan wandered along the riverbank. He was no ranger, but he knew that animals oft-times found good crossing spots, and he looked for evidence of a ford or shallow spot that would make the crossing easier for his companions and himself.

---

OOC:I think that Zenphar is the obvious choice to make the Survival Check. Tegan's efforts are intended to give him the Advantage on his Die-roll. :)

Zenphar joins Tegan is scouting for a good spot to ford the river.

---

Zenphar rolled 5 using 1d20+4 for Survival (WIS).
Zenphar rolled 18 using 1d20+4 for Survival (WIS). Advantage due to Tegan's Help.

Perhaps Nthanda might remember that she spotted the place where we previously crossed that was protected by an illusion?

Edit to include ADV roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:18, Mon 19 Dec 2022.

Nthanda watched, and kept watch, as Tegan and Zenphar looked about for another ford in the river.

---

Her passive Perception is 20, but the Alert feat doesn't apply to Survival or strangely enough to active perception.  It does apply to passive Investigation as well.

Thromm stood watching as the other searched for a ford. Finding such was not his expertise and he would only be in the way. Eventually, they'd find a way across if they kept trying. It was better than sinking to the bottom in plate mail. AS he stood surveying, he hummed an old dwarven lullaby.

Zenphar is able to find a wide but shallow stretch of the river at is easy enough to cross.  The water at its deepest is a little over thigh high on all but Thromm.  The water was a little deeper for the dwarf.  More solid land is about fifty feet in front of you, you have almost crossed the river.

I have marked on the main game map a blue cross.  This is where you are crossing the river.  Can you all give me an in game post with a rough description of where you are in the group.  You could move no more than 15 feet in your post.

Tegan did not trust the water. In his his estimation, it was too easy for dangerous creatures to lurk in the depths, just waiting for unwary prey to come within reach. But in this instance the water was not very deep, thanks to Zenphar's success in locating a ford that would take them across the river.

And it was that the paladin led the way into the river, keeping his shield ready -- just in case . . .

---

OOC: In my gaming experience, nothing good *ever* lives in the water! (I think that there may be friendly sea-Elves or some such, but I can't recall that any of my DMs ever had our adventuring parties make contact with them.) :)

Standing just five feet tall, Nthanda gets nervous as the water rises past her hips, but stays alert to any trouble walking in the center and certainly not in front.  Lizardfolk were known to live in marches and water, they could be anywhere.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Wed 21 Dec 2022.

After pointing out the shallow crossing, Zenphar took up a position at the rear of the party. He called out direction to Tegan to keep him from stepping too far left or right of the narrow ford.

Once the third in line was a quarter way across, the ranger followed. His bow resting horizontally across his shoulders as he walked.

---

There's an old-school module, Caverns of Thracia where the lizardmen do exactly as Nthanda noted, move underwater and then ambush the party!

Thromm was far less than pleased to be wading through chest deep water in full plate. Still, as long as they were not attacked, he'd be fine. As such, he chose to bring up the rear of the small group and moved very carefully, making sure his footing was stable before each step. It occurred to him that they were headed into a marsh and that he might consider his weight.

As the group is close to the end of the river there was a small ripple in the water.  Moments a giant water spider, the size of a horse lept out of the water at Zenphar, luckily the elf is quick enough to dodge out of the way.


Roll initiative! If you roll better than 20 add a post.

Arachnia Init 20 AC 16 HP 45

Thromm saw the ripple slightly before the foul, black creature leapt from the water. Cursing in a flow so smooth and calm that even the most respectable bard would need to be impressed, Thromm twisted his foot to move to the elf's aid. Only, his foot kept twisting and he felt his purchase on the river rots shaking. Firming his stance, he recovered but lost the initiative. Grumbling, he made ready to act.

20:42, Today: Thromm rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  initiative.

Perhaps because he had led the party into the river, Tegan seemed very alert for possible danger. When the tell-tale ripples appeared in the water, he reacted quickly and drew his sword.

A moment later, he was moving to go to Zenphar's assistance and confront the monstrous Spider.

---

OOC:
11:36, Today: Tegan rolled 20 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 18.  Initiative vs. Water Spider.

Comments: My recollection is that ties favor the PC, so that Tegan can act before the Spider, but I'll wait for confirmation from GN before writing in any actions for this round. If Tegan does get to act before the Spider, I'll edit this post to have him attack it.

Nthanda let's out the closest thing her companions have heard to fear reaction from her, a yelp of mixed fright and utter disgust.  It is enough to cause a mild freeze slowing down her reactions.

---

A drow afraid of and disgusted by spiders?  Says a lot about her background.
18:42, Today: Nthanda rolled 9 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Zenphar is totally focussed on ensuring that his companions are keeping to the narrow shallows that he is completely oblivious to the pending attack, and avoids it only by pure reaction to a sudden shadow in his peripheral vision.

"Zounds!" the elf splutters as the massive spider nearly strikes him. He draws his rapier, looking to strike back.

---

Zenphar rolled 7 using 1d20+6 for Initiative - another natural 1!

Not saying that the dice roller is fixed, but Zenphar has averaged 9.79 on 108 d20 rolls!

The giant spider again lunged at Zenphar.  This time its large fangs found flesh, pumping its venom into the bite.

"Aaaahh!" Zenphar cries out in pain as the massive spider sinks its fangs into his arm. He pushes back with his free arm and manages to puch it off, just in time to see the black ichor from the beast's fangs pour harmlessly into the water instead of into him!

The ranger frees his rapier from the tangle of spider legs and tries to poke at the beast, but his strike fails to penetrate the spider's carapace.

---

Zenphar rolled 12 using 1d20+2 for CON save vs poison (DC12).

Zenphar rolled 8 for Rapier Attack.

Still affected by her near panic at the sight of the horrible creature Nthanda lets loose an eldritch blast at the thing, not certain if she missed or simply grazed it.  Either way, she moves as fast as she can forward to the shore, hoping to get into shallower water at least.

---

Attack and move forward.  I assume this counts as difficult terrain, so she would advance about 15 feet, right?

"I'm coming to help, Zenphar!" Tegan exclaimed as he turned and closed with the over-sized spider.

He couldn't say why he bothered to call out to the Elf -- undoubtedly the ranger had seen him coming. But it just seemed like the thing to do.

Drawing his sword from its scabbard with a sibilant, rasping "Ssssss", Tegan struck at the creature as soon as he was close enough.

The spider's body was apparently fairly thick, for the blade skittered off of it without inflicting any hurt.

---

OOC: 13:16, Today: Tegan rolled 12 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 6.  Attack v. Water Spider (AC 16). Miss.

Comment: Ugh. A Zenphar-like die-roll.

Allowed time to get his feet under him, Thromm pursed his lips. At once he wanted to wade to hsi ally's aid, but he also wanted to get out of this accursed water. If he went down in this, he'd drown. Nevermind the amout of care he'd need to put into maintaining it this night. Grumbling darkly about needing a healthy, hardy, and HOT stew, the dwarf waded to shore as he started to pray:
Dwarven:"Hammer high this is a freedom cry!
Hammer high, no one should ask me why!
It's my life - Proudly I will defy!
Hammer high until I die!
Black clouds on the horizon
Dread crimson skies
The thunder within
The sign to begin
A tempest of fire and ice
I keep my courage blazing
Withhold this grounds
Protecting the steal
This is my deal
The flames of thy anger, my will!"

Even as he waded, a spectral beer stein appeared next to the spider. Ale sloshing over the side, the spiritual weapon swung at the spidr, spiritual suds spilling over the side into the river. Thromm grinned at the holy weapon his deity had sent to aid him but kept trudging toward dry land and safety. Once the prayer was done though, he pulled out his crossbow and loaded a bolt into it. he didn't feel stable enough to aim and fire yet, but he was prepared.

---

Move: 25' toward shore. Potentially at half speed.
Bonus: Cast Spiritual Weapon
Action: Uh, none actually?
Thromm rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  spiritual weapon attack. Forgot my prof bonus though, so 15 to hit.
11:13, Today: Thromm rolled 11 using 1d8+3.  damage. Force damage if it applies.

Spell Slots:
1st = 4 left
2nd = 1 left

After Tegan's attack the giant spider turned its attention away from Zenphar.  The beast lept at Tegan but its fangs failed to get past the plate mail.

  The water is difficult ground, so yes you will halve your movement.

Zenphar focuses on keeping his footing and getting on the opposite bank.

The ranger then nocks an arrow takes aim at the spider.

---

The river is about 50 ft at the ford, and the attack happened when the group was "close to the end of the river" so I am going to assume that a move should get Zenphar across the river as part of his first round, as his move speed is 45 so he can get through 20 feet of rough terrain.

Attack will be next round.

Nthanda climbs onto the bank of the river and fires off a quick eldritch blast at the spider thing, barely scratching it; she is still shuddering with loathing and her aim is a tad off.

---

09:02, Today: Nthanda rolled 1 using 1d10.  Eldritch Damage.
09:02, Today: Nthanda rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast.

Tegan's eye's momentarily widened in alarm as he caught sight of size of the large spider's fangs, but luckily his heavy mail did its job and protected the paladin from damage.

Unfortunately, the big spider's thick hide did the same for it, and Tegan's blade slid down the creature's body without inflicting any harm.

---

OOC:
Action: 11:55, Today: Tegan rolled 12 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 6.  Melee Attack v. Water Spider (AC 16). Miss.

Comments: Yeesh. It seems that the Dice-Roller has mistaken Tegan for Zenphar.

Smirking at his erstwhile friend, Thromm shouted, "At least now we know the rmor is not defective despite its human origin, eh?" Then, concentraing briefly, he caused the grand, spiritual stein to swing once more at the spider. The slightly-mad dwarf grinned as the spectral ale once again sloshed as the thing connected with the hulking unbral form. he then hurriedly brought his crossbow up and aimed along the bolt at the thing. The heavy thwang sounded in his ears even as his eyes traced the bolt's path and found it lodged in the thing's body.

Smiling grimly, Thromm then trudged his way up onto shore and shook himself like a great shaggy dog even as he reloaded the crossbow. It was a relief, a lessening of stress, to be out of the rushing depths of the water while wearing plate mail.

---

Move: Finish walking up onto shore.
Bonus: Direct spiritual weapon
Action: fire crossbow
12:57, Today: Thromm rolled 5 using 1d8+1.  crossbow damage.
12:57, Today: Thromm rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  crossbow attack.
12:57, Today: Thromm rolled 4 using 1d8+3.  force damage.
12:56, Today: Thromm rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  spiritual weapon attack. Forgot proficiency again.