Yulin had her hesitations about approaching the wolves even though she did not want to see them die. She watched them devour the meat as Solgran approached the wolves, surprised they seemed to essentially ignore him in preference to their meal. That was a good sign she supposed and perhaps if their bellies were full when they left this cave then they could be released back into the wild without any danger to the group. She hoped as much anyway, as she hoped they would return to their usual nature and not prey on travelers. The cave seemed remote enough so that was a good sign that perhaps the wolves would not bother anyone on the roads.

As Amalia detailed what her scouting bird had discovered Yulin frowned in the dim light. Neither captured human appeared to be the creatures they were after, although the make could be the human-slave of Gundren. The presence of the bigger goblin seemed to indicate this would be the most difficult encounter they had faced yet, especially with eight other goblins. Yulin was no strategist so followed the others in their decision to range forward with the more stealthy of the group. She had no ranged weapon on her, and wouldn't even consider using one if she did, but her magic and the bite of her tongue would serve her well enough when the fight began.

09:38, Today: Yulin Scalesong rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Dex.
09:38, Today: Yulin Scalesong rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  Perception.
09:38, Today: Yulin Scalesong rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Stealth.

Snoric watched again as members of the group moved out without an accord.  He was getting used to it.  The gnome shrugged and followed up the back.  He hoped leaving the wolves alive would not come back to bite them in the backside. . .quite literally.

He continued to keep his crossbow out for now.  The time for stealth didn't seem to be completely gone, that was a good thing.


Perception: 10
Stealth: 9

As the group moves forward, the see the intersection from the river to the right, and the left sloping branch. The main passage from the cave mouth climbs steeply upward, the stream plunging and splashing down its west side. In the shadows, a side passage leads west across the other side of the stream. In the shadows of the ceiling to the north, you can just make out the dim shape of a rickety bridge of wood and rope crossing over the passage ahead of you. Another passage intersects this one, twenty feet above the floor.

Yana, as quietly as a shadow, as sends the slope like it’s nothing, followed by solgren and allura made their way up the slope, though not with the grace of the human, made it look easy. As Yulin and Amalia made their way, the sound of knocking could be made, as both women slip down the slope a little, hearing the sound echoing in the cave.


<OOC: anyone climbing make a dex check (other than solgren and allura who are up already)

Another perception check from everyone please>
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:45, Wed 28 July 2021.

Not about to be left alone at the bottom, Snoric focused on the slope and pulled himself as best he can.  The gnome was mindful of any scrape of his boots, every stone that broke away.  He constantly looked around, wondering when the hordes would descend on them.

Dex check: 13
Perception: 14

Pulling back from Edgar and turning to warn the others I find myself alone at the cave entrance. Oh dear! Panic begins to rise, causing fight-or-flight hormones to begin to seep into my blood stream causing my heart and breathing rates to increase and my eyes to tingle, almost to burn as if they are dry. Wait, that is not normal. Never mind that, shaking my head as if to dislodge the thought, it is not what is most important right now. Where did they go?

If they went further into the cave it will be difficult to find them, with Edgar keeping watch on the bridge ahead I cannot use his eyes to see in the dark. I could light a torch but that would give away my position to any nearby Goblin; however given their superior ability to see in the dark that might still be preferable. As I pull off my backpack to pull out one of my pre-pared torches a loud clatter of stone against stone echoes from further in the cave causing me to look up, ready to dive out the cave entrance if needed.

It is the others. A breath I had not realised I was holding leaves me in a huff; they are alright. They look strange though, it is almost like all of the colour has been drained from them leaving only faded gray husks. Even Miss Scalesong's normally colourful, and ostentatious garb is flat and dull. How can I see them at all? The light from the entrance does not reach that far and I cannot see any other source of light. What is going on!? It must have something to do with the odd sensation in my eyes but I do not know what caused it.

Amalia and Miss Scalesong are trying to scramble up the debris ridden slope at the left fork while Snoric keeps watch at its base, his crossbow ready. I start to move towards them when an urgent spike of danger comes back over my link to Edgar along with flickering images of rushing water. It seems the Goblins are aware of our presence and have decided to object.

"BEWARE, THEY ARE FLOODING THE STREAM! GET TO HIGH GROUND!" I shout as loud as I can, the stealth part of the operation being over. And rush back out the cave, immediately moving to the left and pressing myself against the cliff wall to try and escape the rushing water.

Summary
Osmon
Call out warning and dash out of cave moving to the right of the map about 10 feet from the cave entrance and pushing himself up against the cliff wall.

Edgar
Keep watch on the Goblins near the bridge.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:01, Wed 28 July 2021.

She turns to lend a hand up for anyone near her.

"Sister get your rope handy." She almost hisses over her shoulder.






05:57, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 3 using 1d20.  Perception.


This message was last edited by the player at 12:18, Wed 28 July 2021.

The trek going up river in the cave started really badly for the clumsy cleric and, as she was concentrating on looking ahead for sentries, she slipped on a wet rock and fell on her knees, her noisy armor clearly marking her position to anyone listening.  Mentally cursing herself, she got up, just in time to see a goblin running across a rickety bridge and dissapear on the right side of the river.

They know we're here!

She quickly tried to climb up the ramp but slipped down and came back to her starting point, as Solgran, Snoric, Yana and Allura were reaching the top easily. That is when Osmon's warning came to her attention and she looked at Yulin, that had also slipped down. There was no time to talk so she grunted and scrambled up the ramp on hands and knees.

Only then did she realize that she hadn't seen Osmon near them at the bottom. Feeling a moment of panic, she sent Ophelia to look for the mage.

Amalia dex 19
Amalia perception 21
 Ophelia perception 7

Yana tried to scramble up the slope.  She tried to have rope ready to throw to her sister, just in case.

OOC:
09:07, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 18 using 1d20+1.  Perception .


This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Thu 29 July 2021.

The usually dexterous Yulin seemed to be having trouble with the gravel on the slope as she attempted to climb up and join the others.

As the water trap appeared to have been sprung she moved with urgency, trying to scramble up.

09:16, Today: Yulin Scalesong rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  Perception.
09:15, Today: Yulin Scalesong rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Dex.

With yana, allura and Solgren up top, and snoric, Amalia and Yulin down the bottom (and Osmon towards the edge of the cave), the separated party had little time as the wizard called out. Allura and yana, too focused on Amalia and Yulin slipping didn’t hear the call of warning, but the others did.

It was snoric who reacted first, climbing and using his hand to scoot up the bank. Both Yulin and Amalia looked at each other and followed suit following just as a torrent of water flew past them. Amalia, a little ahead of the yuan-topi, grasped her hand and pulled her up in the nick of time, but so close was the water that both women had wet feet.

Meanwhile Osmon made it out just as the water rushed by, slipping just a little but remaining uninjured as it flowed past and down the river.


The group, minus the human wizard, watched the water rush by, then slow down to a normal river again.

<OOC: we’ll that was exciting….all characters managed to pass their dex checks in time before the water trap hit them

All of you (minus Osmon) are up on the top of the ramp.

Map to come tomorrow (will edit this post and put it in)>

Yulin would admit she panicked a little as she scramble up the incline, the normally lithe yuan-ti distracted by the rapidly approaching tide. She gave an appreciative look to Amalia as the girl pulled her up, her bare feet and the tail of her armor getting soaked with the flowing water. She stood at the top and shook her feet off with a half-smile. "Well that wasss closer than I would have liked." She shook her head, "And I knew it was coming too..." She chided herself.

She followed the flow of water with her eyes as it drained back to a simple stream. She raised a glance to Amalia, "Appreciate the help but..." She gave a concerned look down the tunnel the way they came, "I'm afraid I left your not-mate down in the tunnelsss... He may have been in the eyesss of his bird at the time the water washed through the cave. It is possible he needsss out help." She didn't mean to cause concern to the girl but it was entirely possible the human man was washed away and was now quite some distance from the cave.

"I saw the scout dodge off to the east, so goblins that direction know that we are here. Solgran kept his voice low as he spoke, and looked around to see what else was visible from this higher view.

14:06, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Perception. ~Oh, shiny rock.~

It was crazy for the familiar for a moment. Tasked to go check for sentries, it almost got caught by the flow of water, getting splashed and almost losing the ability to fly with her wet wings. Then it did it's best to comply to the new instructions to find the tall lanky human, but almost got caught by one of the wolves as it flew too low, her feathers still wet.

The owl gave a shrill hoot of frustration, the fey fragment incarnated in the animal's body finding it impossible to complete its mission if this body's covering was drenched! Ignoring its mistress's calls, it started to shake to remove all the excess water.

Sensing her familiar's frustration, and distressed by Yulin's account of the last time Osmon was seen, the cleric took her symbol and gave a quick prayer to Selune, hoping that the mage was all right. Reiterating her last command to Ophelia, she replied to in the same low voice.

I've sent Ophelia to look for Osmon, but she got hit by water and can't do much now, I pray to Selune that he's all right. If he's injured, I will need to go to him. With all that noise, those holding the prisoners should also know we are here, I think we should go where we know the enemy and get rid of them, before being caught in a pincer

Ophelia perception with advantage, a lousy 6!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:08, Fri 30 July 2021.

My head was finally starting to clear from the blow I had sustained in my struggle with my goblin captors. I wasn't sure how long I had been here, drifting in and out of consciousness as I had been, but it couldn't have been more than several days.

I had been on my way to Neverwinter, to answer the summons my father had received from an old colleague, Gundren Rockseeker. My father, a human in his early fifties, was getting too old for adventuring and asked me to take his place. The small hamlet that he called home was a decent place to hide my heritage, but my appearance still put the people there on edge. Not feeling entirely at home there, I welcomed the chance to explore new places and find people willing to overlook my drow-like appearance.

It was on the road to Neverwinter that I was ambushed, at least six goblins by my count. I was hit in the shoulder with an arrow by one of the two who fired at me, the rest coming forward with swords drawn. I fought valiantly, but eventually succumbed to my wounds and was taken hostage.

The cave I awoke in was divided in half by a ten-foot-high escarpment. I was on the upper ledge, with a steep natural staircase leading down. Next to me was another human, a male, who appeared in as rough of shape as I felt. His wounds appeared fresher than mine, leading me to conclude he had been here maybe a day or so less than I.

As I sat there, waiting for my head to finish clearing so I could think of a way out of my current predicament, I hear muttering coming from the goblins and a huge surge of water from somewhere farther into the caves. The goblins look to their boss, who turns to us after speaking in a guttural language and gestures to the cave entrance. The goblins begin to arm themselves. As they do this, I notice a small owl fly out of the room.

Seeing the human man next to me is awake now, I try to subtly grab his attention. Feeling as though the goblins are distracted enough, I motion to the human next to me to scoot closer. "I can't seem to see where the goblins stashed my gear. Do you see a longbow, quiver of arrows, a dagger, and a double-bladed scimitar by chance?" I whispered to the man, hopeful his eyes are better than my own.

---

OOC:

21:31, Yesterday: Malice Baenrret rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.
16:49, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 1 using 1d20.  Perception.

As the stream of water returned to its previous levels, the ground wet and soft underfoot, I give thanks that my boots were still waterproof. Wet socks would just be the perfect way to end the day. Standing to my full height, I run my hands down my long coat making sure it is hanging straight and wiping off any loose debris. Pausing a moment I close my eyes and focus on Edgar once more, I need to see if they are up to anything before I go inside to rejoin the others.

Summary
Use Edgar to take a look at what the Goblins at the bridge are doing
Perception: 12 (straight roll without advantage due to the area being in darkness and darkvision))

"Goblin's to kill and now drown." She said simply.

She noticed how her outstretched arms to help the others was ignored by everyone even as the waters rose so she brought her arms back and put her shield back on one arm.


She then looked to Solgran, "Looks like we should lead the way again."

Snoric still on his knees post his climb looked around helplessly as events flowed past him.  Things were getting too real for him and his mind, usually buried in books or a mechanical project was having troubled catching up.  He'd just scrambled to avoid possible death, realised a member of the team may indeed be lost, heard a goblin force may be coming and now the group was rushing off to battle them.

His logical brain told him he should have been more alarmed in the actual fight they had engaged in out in the forest.  He'd fought, killed and been wounded.  But that had been so quick, so automatic, a triggered response he had not even considered what he was doing.  This time everything was more 'real' somehow.  While he knew he was intelligent, he was struggling with all the inputs and their emotional contexts hitting him simultaneously.

Pushing himself to his feet, he fell quietly into step behind the others.  He checked Ultio was loose in it's holster.  Despite all his inner turmoil, he knew the time for being quiet was likely past.

Solgran nodded slowly, "We know what to expect. Let's give Amalia about ten seconds to check on Osmon. If he's hurt, saving his life is more important, and we'll know we're going into this fight without her healing."

Solgran was eager to face the goblins before the situation could get worse, but his understanding of the situation was based on assumptions mixed with some knowledge. He was here to protect and to save, which meant he couldn't be careless in how he approached this situation. Mercenaries and hired guards did things a certain way, because they were paid to and knew what they were getting into when they signed on. This was...different.

Waiting for Amalia's findings, Solgran looked over to Yana, "Do you hear any movement?"

Yana shook her head
"All i hear is that water. This cave's echoes are hard to read "
OOC:  14:33, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  Perception

Yana frowned.  She missed the sweet embrace of urban living.

Finally dried enough to fly again, the fey/owl took flight and almost collided with Osmon, was he was concentrating on seeing through Edgar's eyes. Sending her report to her owner, she perched herself in a nearby tree, where she could keep an eye on the mage.

He's fine, thank Selune, he stayed at the entrance. We know the goblins know we are here, and we know how many there are over there.

She pointed to the left, towards the prisoners.

Do you think we should wait for Osmon? It is going to be difficult to protect everyone if we are separated. Ophelia keeps an eye on him, maybe I should use her to bring him here.

Yana shrugged and shook her head
"If we've lost the element of surprise,  then we need to move , now.  Before they get more organized "

Allura rests her hand on her sisters shoulder, "It's alright, this is their home and they obviously use it to their advantage. All that water though had to have inconvenienced them in some way too."

She then released her sister's shoulder and looked to Solgran.

"You are a study in contrast Solgran. Your restraint is a thing befitting a commander more then a warrior."

"I seek to make them answer in blood for nearly drowning us, not you though." Allura simply shrugged.


Again she ran her fingers over her throat.


Thaumaturgy

Increase volume of her voice.

Location - outside the cave
Party members - Osmon

As the water subsides, the mage straightens up and as he dusts himself, a familiar sight greets yourself and Edgar - a near waterlogged and grumpy Ophelia flaps out and lands in his shoulder. The mage smiles as he sends his own familiar up the cave to the bridge. He spots two goblins crouching, facing the entrance, but also turning to the right towards whispering.

…of your friends.

---

Location - Unknown
Party members - Malice

As the half drow spoke, the human stired and looked at you, a little concerned, but spoke softly. “I’ve seen no gear…..my head is killing me.” He groaned as he shifted, but looked at her again. “Did you hear that sound…sounded like the ocean crashed through the next room.”

---

Location - Cave
Party members - Allura, Amalia, Snoric, Solgren, Yana, Yulin

As you catch your breath, the water eases up. The sound of your breathing is all you can hear as you look on at the T intersection. From the left the faint flickering glow of light can be seen.

<OOC: from all players except Malice, I need actions (main group, are you waiting for Osmon?) and if moving quietly, stealth rolls.>

Taking a deep breath I step back around the corner and stride into the cave once more, back straight and eyes sweeping for signs of the Goblins. Weaving my fingers through the gestures and muttering the words softly to send a message to Amalia.

<"There are two Goblins at the bridge down the right fork, they appear to be watching you and the others. I will try and take them out of the fight.">

Walking to the fork in the path I keep my focus on the slope up to where the others are before turning and releasing a spell towards the Goblins at the bridge.

Summary
Note: I realize all of this may not happen based on DM rulings. Also I have included as many rolls as I think might come up.

Step 1: Osmon moves up to the fork in the path pretending to be focused on the left path. Edgar retreats back to the fork.
Osmon Deception: 5
Osmon Perception (Vision): 7
Osmon Perception (Hearing): 10
Edgar Perception (Vision): 18
Edgar Stealth: 13

Step 2: Osmon casts Sleep centred where Edgar spotted the Goblins
Osmon Initiative: 19
Osmon casts Sleep affecting 22 HP worth of creatures in targeted area.
Edgar Initiative: 14
Edgar Perception (Are the Goblins sleeping): 5

Step 3: Osmon scrambles up slope to rejoin party, relays effectiveness of spell to Amalia, Edgar flies up the left fork looking for the captives.
Osmon Dex check: 16 (rolled earlier but not used, if I need a new roll 14)
Osmon casts Message target Amalia, passing on results of Sleep spell
Edgar Perception (Vision): 23
Edgar Stealth: 7
This message was last edited by the player at 15:08, Sun 01 Aug 2021.

Solgran waited, nerves fluttering as he balanced on the edge between patient calm and combat aggression. He drew in a deep breath to help maintain the calm, knowing that there was a chance they would have to abandon this fight to rush to Osmon's aid, and getting too much excitement now would lead to unnecessary fatigue later, and they still didn't know for sure how many goblins remained in this cave.

He watched for a sign from Amalia to know which direction he was going, but either way he was preparing to move, and soon.