GM Jiggy's Adventures in Avonali [5E] (Inactive)

Game Master Jiggy

Current location: Silverwood (lake island)
Time of day: Midday


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Teo scrambles to her feet and gets a little ways into the cave entrance before firing a bolt over the shoulder of the dwarf woman, who jumps in surprise!

The leader, newly freed from Gwen's grip, extends an arm toward one of the cave's other inhabitants and clenches a fist. Everyone shrieks as the victim is hoisted into the air, and with a swing of his arm he sends his living weapon crashing into Fin and Naia!

Damage (DEX DC 14 half): 2d8 ⇒ (4, 7) = 11
Fin DEX: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Naia DEX: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Naia is also knocked prone from the impact.

The hapless commoner crashes into Fin and Naia, then drops to the ground, unmoving!

Everybody but Teo, you're up!


Female Halfling Copper Draconic Sorcerer 4 | HP 27/30| AC 16 | Saves: Str+0, Dex+3, Con+4, Int+0, Wis+0, Cha+6 | PasPercpt10 | Skills: Arcana+2, Deception+6, Persuasion+6, SleightofHand+5 | Init.+3 | SpellAttack+6 | SpellSave14

Lol, in my last post, I meant to attack the telekinetic mage, not the dwarf woman! I missed, so I didn't screw it up too badly, but just wanted to make that clear.


Half-Elf Rogue 1 | HP 16/16 | AC 16 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Perception +6

I think the death saving throw I did is for this round. But if I'm mistaken, let me know and I'll roll another.


Wood elf druid | Staff (8) | Frightened, Foresight, Barkskin AC 16 & HP: 68/102 Fire Elemental | Inspiration! | HP: 122/122 | shape 0/2 | d8 1/17 | 1st 2/4 | 2nd 0/3 | 3rd 3/3 | 4th 2/3 | 5th 1/2 | 6th 0/1 | 7th 0/1 | 8th 0/1 | 9th 0/1
Stats:
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11

Round 2

The wood elf prince grits his teeth to stay on his feet from the human projectile. "Help us stop him!" Finlogan yells to the others in the cave. Then, he concentrates on trying to drop the weird guy.

Silver shortsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 if hit, piercing damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Bonus action shortsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 if hit, piercing damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7


Female Elf Bard (modified) 3 || AC 14 || HP 20/20 || Initiative +3 || Passive Perception 17 ||
More:
Saves: Str +2 Dex +5 Con +2 Int +6 Wis +3 Cha +1 || Perception +7 Stealth +7 Investigation +6 Insight +5

Wraith (assuming I have a clear line of sight to the telekinetic mage) steps out of hiding and fires an arrow at the mage. She then moves to break line of sight with the mage (setting up for the possibility of taking the Hide action next turn, if I don't need to shoot/cast first. I'd hide this turn, but I don't have Cunning Action.) while still being able to pop out for another shot.

Longbow with advantage from being hidden: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 121d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Bonus die from original crit: 1d8 ⇒ 7


Fin slices and dices, then Wraith finishes off the mage with an expert shot!

That guy's down, and it's Naia's turn.


Wood elf druid | Staff (8) | Frightened, Foresight, Barkskin AC 16 & HP: 68/102 Fire Elemental | Inspiration! | HP: 122/122 | shape 0/2 | d8 1/17 | 1st 2/4 | 2nd 0/3 | 3rd 3/3 | 4th 2/3 | 5th 1/2 | 6th 0/1 | 7th 0/1 | 8th 0/1 | 9th 0/1
Stats:
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11

The wood elf prince shouts again to everyone, "everyone, please stop fighting. This man started the fight, but we finished it. There's no more reason to fight. Please stop."


Half-Elf Rogue 1 | HP 16/16 | AC 16 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Perception +6

Round 3 Death Save

Death Saving Throw: 1d20 ⇒ 4 2 Failures


Female Elf Bard (modified) 3 || AC 14 || HP 20/20 || Initiative +3 || Passive Perception 17 ||
More:
Saves: Str +2 Dex +5 Con +2 Int +6 Wis +3 Cha +1 || Perception +7 Stealth +7 Investigation +6 Insight +5

Having taken down the primary threat and seeing Gwen down, Wraith abandons her hiding place (yes, I know I wasn't Hidden, but I was still hiding!) and attempts to stabilize her companion.

medicine: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20


Female Elf (Water) Druid 4 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 | Init +3 | Scimitar +5 [1d6], Spear +1 [1d6/1d8] | Spd 30ft | Per: +5 | SAVES: Str +0/Dex +3/Con +1/Int +2/Wis +5/Cha +2 | Spell save DC: 13 | Spell Atk Mod: +5.

Naia stands up and moves to assist Wraith. She yells to all the assembled humanoids:

"Everybody, let us lay aside our weapons. Enough bloodshed. Tend to your wounded.

Helping Wraith stabilise Gwen


Naia moves to stabilize Gwen, while imploring the people to stop fighting.

The inhabitants of the cave squeak and murmur and fidget, but nobody takes an overtly hostile action.

Wraith then moves to help Naia stabilize Gwen (and is successful).

Out of initiative, and surrounded by flustered folk in a cave. What will you do?


Wood elf druid | Staff (8) | Frightened, Foresight, Barkskin AC 16 & HP: 68/102 Fire Elemental | Inspiration! | HP: 122/122 | shape 0/2 | d8 1/17 | 1st 2/4 | 2nd 0/3 | 3rd 3/3 | 4th 2/3 | 5th 1/2 | 6th 0/1 | 7th 0/1 | 8th 0/1 | 9th 0/1
Stats:
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11

Finlogan sheaths his two shortswords and grabs his rope from his backpack. While tying up the weird guy, he asks, "how is everyone? Gwen? Teo? That fellow?" Meaning, the projectile guy.

"Let's stabilize everyone and ensure no one dies." The wood elf prince checks the vitals of the weird guy after he's bound which includes a gag.


Female Halfling Copper Draconic Sorcerer 4 | HP 27/30| AC 16 | Saves: Str+0, Dex+3, Con+4, Int+0, Wis+0, Cha+6 | PasPercpt10 | Skills: Arcana+2, Deception+6, Persuasion+6, SleightofHand+5 | Init.+3 | SpellAttack+6 | SpellSave14

"Well, I'm certainly not great," Teo smiles, picking splinters out of herself after being crushed by the cart.


Working quickly, you manage to stabilize both the mage and Mr. Projectile (after securely binding the former).

Nobody's in immediate jeopardy, but a few folks are unconscious, and there's a cave full of borderline-panicky people all looking at your group. What'll you all do?


Wood elf druid | Staff (8) | Frightened, Foresight, Barkskin AC 16 & HP: 68/102 Fire Elemental | Inspiration! | HP: 122/122 | shape 0/2 | d8 1/17 | 1st 2/4 | 2nd 0/3 | 3rd 3/3 | 4th 2/3 | 5th 1/2 | 6th 0/1 | 7th 0/1 | 8th 0/1 | 9th 0/1
Stats:
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11

The wood elf prince next sees Gwen and cures her wounds.

Finlogan approaches a group of the panicky people with his hands up. "First, we are investigating some banditry in the area. When we asked this man about it," pointing the weird guy, "he attacked us. Using magic, he threw a cart on top of two of my companions. So now that he is incapacitated, can someone tell us what's going on here?"


Female Halfling Copper Draconic Sorcerer 4 | HP 27/30| AC 16 | Saves: Str+0, Dex+3, Con+4, Int+0, Wis+0, Cha+6 | PasPercpt10 | Skills: Arcana+2, Deception+6, Persuasion+6, SleightofHand+5 | Init.+3 | SpellAttack+6 | SpellSave14

"Yeah, we aren't here to bother anyone, unless they are bandits! And this crew doesn't look like bandits to me. Has that guy thrown a cart so easily before?"


Half-Elf Rogue 1 | HP 16/16 | AC 16 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Perception +6
Finlogan wrote:
Gwen, heal thyself. I'm on my phone and forgot how much a cure wounds heals. Go ahead and roll it in your gameplay post.

Cure Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Gwenifer will also use second wind for a little more boost.

Second Wind: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Gwen sits up and rubs her head. "Ugh. Did I mention I hate magic users. Thanks, Finlogan."

She looks around the cave for the man who used the magic missile on her then rushes over and starts yelling in his face. "YOU! You blasted me with that magic scroll, didn't you! What did I ever do to you?! We're here to help, you fool! And this is what you go and do?! You better start talking before I get really mad!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23


Female Elf Bard (modified) 3 || AC 14 || HP 20/20 || Initiative +3 || Passive Perception 17 ||
More:
Saves: Str +2 Dex +5 Con +2 Int +6 Wis +3 Cha +1 || Perception +7 Stealth +7 Investigation +6 Insight +5

Largely ignoring the people, Wraith takes in the scene. Determining there are no immediate lethal threats, she investigates the books and papers on the makeshift table.


As Fin and Teo speak, the people mostly sort of look down at the floor and don't make eye contact. Some look somber and withdrawn, while others seem to be on the verge of panic.

Insight DC 11:

Every time you mention your intent to combat banditry, everyone seems to get a bit more tense and worried-looking.

Presently, Gwen unleashes on the human man who blasted her earlier. The man shrinks back, falling almost prone against one of the tables. "I, uh... I'm sorry, I didn't... I mean I wouldn't... I didn't think..."

He seems close to hyperventilating when another of the bunch, a halfling woman, darts in front of him and interposes herself between Gwen and her prey. "Stop!" she says, mustering a bit of fierceness through her obvious fear. "He was just scared. We all were. We didn't know what you might do to us, and we did know what would happen to anyone who didn't help. Er, that is, if you hadn't won, I mean."

She seems to flounder a bit, then pipes up again: "And who are all of you, anyway?! You just show up out of nowhere, stabbing people and demanding cooperation? Why should we trust you?"

Might be a good time for some Persuasion, if cooperation/communication is a goal.

Meanwhile, Wraith finds lots of writing supplies, including very fine inks, such as wizards might use for scrolls or spellbooks. Stacks of parchment abound, some blank and others filled with copy upon copy upon copy of magical notations. It seems that perhaps the chief occupation of the people in this cave was to mass-produce spellbooks and instructional materials for learning spellcraft. Basically, stuff one might use in the process of picking up their first level in wizard, plus pre-filled spellbooks for existing wizards who wanted to expand their repertoire without investing all the time into filling it themselves.


Wood elf druid | Staff (8) | Frightened, Foresight, Barkskin AC 16 & HP: 68/102 Fire Elemental | Inspiration! | HP: 122/122 | shape 0/2 | d8 1/17 | 1st 2/4 | 2nd 0/3 | 3rd 3/3 | 4th 2/3 | 5th 1/2 | 6th 0/1 | 7th 0/1 | 8th 0/1 | 9th 0/1
Stats:
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11

Insight DC 11: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

"I am Finlogan, a prince of Escalus, and am helping the Academy locate some missing shipments. It is clear that this is a bad man. If you are truthful with us, I will vouch for you when we address the authorities. I despise tyrants."

Persuasion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7


Female Halfling Copper Draconic Sorcerer 4 | HP 27/30| AC 16 | Saves: Str+0, Dex+3, Con+4, Int+0, Wis+0, Cha+6 | PasPercpt10 | Skills: Arcana+2, Deception+6, Persuasion+6, SleightofHand+5 | Init.+3 | SpellAttack+6 | SpellSave14

Persuasion 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Teo tries to calm things down. "We told you our story. We are chasing bandits. I don't know what your story is or why the lot of you are holed up here. But I suggest you start telling me the whole story, or Gwen is going to start punching people. She likes to do that, you know."


Female Elf (Water) Druid 4 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 | Init +3 | Scimitar +5 [1d6], Spear +1 [1d6/1d8] | Spd 30ft | Per: +5 | SAVES: Str +0/Dex +3/Con +1/Int +2/Wis +5/Cha +2 | Spell save DC: 13 | Spell Atk Mod: +5.

Naia hangs back, unsure of what, if anything to say. This experience is well beyond anything in her experience thus far in civilisation. She makes hereself useful by watching the assembled panick'd people in the cave, to try to determine what their story is...

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19


Teo's friendly affect and wry joke about Gwen seem to put the people somewhat at ease, and the halfling woman (still standing protectively in front of Gwenifer) speaks up.

"Well, um, you see... The bandits are... I mean, we're more like scribes, we just... uh... we were each desperate, and Vekk"—she nods toward the unconscious mage—"He offered us work, but... None of us wanted it to go this far, but one thing led to another... but we never wanted to hurt anyone! Please, some of us have families, we can't... We're all just trying to get by, and he kept pushing us farther and farther, gradually, always reminding us we'd be destitute without him, and threatening us, and..."

She trails off, and more than one of the people here have begun to sob quietly.


Half-Elf Rogue 1 | HP 16/16 | AC 16 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Perception +6

Gwenifer calms down as well and talks normally. "I'm sorry for scaring you but you did almost kill me." She has a lot of questions. "Is Vekk the only one in charge here? Or are there others we need to deal with before we can help you leave? Where are your homes? If they aren't too far, maybe we can escort you there. We came across this place because we were tracking down a missing supply wagon. Did Vekk capture it by himself or with help? Has he be hijacking a lot of travelers? How long have you been here?"


Wood elf druid | Staff (8) | Frightened, Foresight, Barkskin AC 16 & HP: 68/102 Fire Elemental | Inspiration! | HP: 122/122 | shape 0/2 | d8 1/17 | 1st 2/4 | 2nd 0/3 | 3rd 3/3 | 4th 2/3 | 5th 1/2 | 6th 0/1 | 7th 0/1 | 8th 0/1 | 9th 0/1
Stats:
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11

Finlogan waits for the sobbing to abate. "So this Vekk, he set up the operation. Who did he hurt?"

After an answer, the wood elf prince asks, "can someone describe this operation?"

Persuasion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12


Female Elf (Water) Druid 4 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 | Init +3 | Scimitar +5 [1d6], Spear +1 [1d6/1d8] | Spd 30ft | Per: +5 | SAVES: Str +0/Dex +3/Con +1/Int +2/Wis +5/Cha +2 | Spell save DC: 13 | Spell Atk Mod: +5.

Sorry, that should have been Insight not perception; same Proficiency bonus applies...


As Naia watches the people's interaction with her companions, she notes quite a combination of emotions: plenty of fear, a bit of guilt, some despair and resignation, some desperation, some anxiety, and a good deal of emotional fatigue.

After the barrage of questions, the brave little halfling woman says, "Well, I'll try to explain our situation. See, each of us has been down on our luck lately; some of us were on the verge of sleeping in gutters, some of us had debts to repay, but we all had desperation in common. Vekk, he recruited us each individually, promising gainful employment if we were willing to work hard. The actual job he had for us was just copying documents, which didn't seem so bad. I mean, sure it's boring, but it's work..."

She looks down. "Except, we all thought it was weird to do it in a cave, and he told us we shouldn't talk about our work to anyone. That seemed suspicious, but at least we had work, and he kept threatening to dump any 'ingrates' back where we started, with nothing. Eventually," her voice wavers a bit, "He said we needed more supplies, and we all had to come with him to get them. He took us all out toward the road, and he ambushed a cart and killed the driver. We were all horrified, but he made it sound like if we said anything, we'd all be arrested too. Like we were all too far in already, like it was too late to turn back. He made us dispose of the body, and kept saying we're all in this together now. That happened two more times, and each time he pushed us harder to get involved directly. With the last one, he... he made us do it ourselves. He said anyone would already think of us as guilty, so we needed to just take care of our business however we could."

She starts to sob a bit, then cries out through the tears, "Please, none of us came into this wanting to hurt anybody! He kept pushing us, and if anybody spoke up, he'd hit us and tell us it nobody else would ever help us like he had. It all got out of hand... Please, please don't turn us in!"


Female Elf Bard (modified) 3 || AC 14 || HP 20/20 || Initiative +3 || Passive Perception 17 ||
More:
Saves: Str +2 Dex +5 Con +2 Int +6 Wis +3 Cha +1 || Perception +7 Stealth +7 Investigation +6 Insight +5

Wraith tries to calm the woman, as well as all the other terrified folks. We understand. If any authorities need to know of your involvement, we will make sure you are not punished for trying to stay alive and feed your families. I see no reason to volunteer information concerning your involvement; the blame for this belongs to Vekk and his associates. She pauses a moment. Did he have any associates? Anyone he took orders from or made plans with?


Half-Elf Rogue 1 | HP 16/16 | AC 16 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Perception +6

"My gods! The tension in here is unbearable. Relax!" Gwenifer wraps her arm around the shoulder of the woman in front of her. "You are saved. It is time to celebrate. Is there any alcohol in one of these crates? We need to break that shit out! We can discuss the logistics of getting you all home afterwards. Don't worry. No one will blame you for what happened on the road. You have my word that I'll speak in your defense. And I never break my promises. Come on! Come this way! Sit! Sit!"

Gwenifer attempts to lead the scared people into the more open area of the cave and arranges crates (or chairs if she can find them) for everyone to sit on.

"I'll go through some of these and see if there's any good stuff. You just rest easy. You are safe now."

Persuasion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Gwenifer starts looking through the crates for drinks but also keeps a note of everything else that she comes across in them.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3


Wood elf druid | Staff (8) | Frightened, Foresight, Barkskin AC 16 & HP: 68/102 Fire Elemental | Inspiration! | HP: 122/122 | shape 0/2 | d8 1/17 | 1st 2/4 | 2nd 0/3 | 3rd 3/3 | 4th 2/3 | 5th 1/2 | 6th 0/1 | 7th 0/1 | 8th 0/1 | 9th 0/1
Stats:
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11

Finlogan listens closely to the tale. "Right. There are two things that are clear to me. One, Vekk needs to be held accountable for banditry and murder. We'll need some witnesses to that. Two, the material needs to be returned to its rightful owners."

He pauses for a few seconds, "beyond that, I don't know. Did Vekk see anyone kill anyone else? While you answer, help us repair this cart and load the stolen material into the carts. And please don't run or attack us, that'll mean you're just guilty."

If Vekk never some them kill anyone, then authorities don't have any witnesses for their crimes beyond accomplices. Finlogan doesn't know how human justice is dispensed here. But, people should be held accountable for their actions, while punishment should be moderated to the situation.

How many of them are there? Is it worth our time to individually describe them? Are some of them more guilty than others?


Half-Elf Rogue 1 | HP 16/16 | AC 16 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Perception +6

"Finny, can't you see these people have just been through something traumatic? And you are going to put them to work? I'll repair the cart and load up the goods. Let these people rest. Besides, no offense, but I'm much stronger than they are, and can probably complete the work twice as fast if they aren't in the way. Also, does it really matter if Vekk saw them do anything? No one is going to believe a one-eyed bandit. And even if they did commit a crime, it was forced under duress. They can't be held accountable for it."

Gwenifer gives up on her search through the crates, since it was a spectacular fail. Instead, she removes her armor and sets aside her weapons, and starts repairing and loading up the wagon. Her sweat from the labor mats down her hair and shirt and causes her muscles to glisten. She takes ample opportunity to flex and show off as she passes someone by.


Wood elf druid | Staff (8) | Frightened, Foresight, Barkskin AC 16 & HP: 68/102 Fire Elemental | Inspiration! | HP: 122/122 | shape 0/2 | d8 1/17 | 1st 2/4 | 2nd 0/3 | 3rd 3/3 | 4th 2/3 | 5th 1/2 | 6th 0/1 | 7th 0/1 | 8th 0/1 | 9th 0/1
Stats:
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11

Finny? Finlogan's eyebrows arch in surprise at the disrespect. Then, his eyes slowly narrow as she contradicts him.

He looks forward to not traveling with this woman much longer. While she may be good in a fight, her way with words and people lack any grace or civilization.

If there is a next time, the wood elf prince will carefully consider when he will help her to regain consciousness.


Female Halfling Copper Draconic Sorcerer 4 | HP 27/30| AC 16 | Saves: Str+0, Dex+3, Con+4, Int+0, Wis+0, Cha+6 | PasPercpt10 | Skills: Arcana+2, Deception+6, Persuasion+6, SleightofHand+5 | Init.+3 | SpellAttack+6 | SpellSave14

Teo wasn't terribly happy with the developments. She was no goody goody, but if this group had helped with a flat out murder, she wasn't sure how she felt about them. "So the lot of you killed the last guy you robbed?"


Female Elf Bard (modified) 3 || AC 14 || HP 20/20 || Initiative +3 || Passive Perception 17 ||
More:
Saves: Str +2 Dex +5 Con +2 Int +6 Wis +3 Cha +1 || Perception +7 Stealth +7 Investigation +6 Insight +5

Wraith shakes her head at the conflicting directions the conversation - interrogation? - is taking and begins to assist Gwen rebuilding the carts.


Female Elf (Water) Druid 4 | HP 27/27 | AC 15 | Init +3 | Scimitar +5 [1d6], Spear +1 [1d6/1d8] | Spd 30ft | Per: +5 | SAVES: Str +0/Dex +3/Con +1/Int +2/Wis +5/Cha +2 | Spell save DC: 13 | Spell Atk Mod: +5.

Naia is horrified by the murders related by the plainly terrified and despondent people. She is so engrossed in their story that she notices none of Finlogan's discomfort at Gwen's offhand and relaxed attitude.

In fact, Naia is more than a little confused by the entire episode. She gravitates toward Finlogan.

"Prince. What do we, now?. Have we found that which we searched for? These people - they are much distressed and pitiable..."


Wood elf druid | Staff (8) | Frightened, Foresight, Barkskin AC 16 & HP: 68/102 Fire Elemental | Inspiration! | HP: 122/122 | shape 0/2 | d8 1/17 | 1st 2/4 | 2nd 0/3 | 3rd 3/3 | 4th 2/3 | 5th 1/2 | 6th 0/1 | 7th 0/1 | 8th 0/1 | 9th 0/1
Stats:
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11

Finlogan turns to Naia, "Yes, Lady Tam. This is a pitiful situation. We still need to confirm if the material is here. We need to get the material and the prisoner on the carts ready to return to town. As to the rest, we need more information."


Half-Elf Rogue 1 | HP 16/16 | AC 16 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Perception +6

"Thanks Wraith." Gwenifer accepts her aid in repairing the wagon.

Gwenifer is not completely oblivious to the others discomfort and decides to address it. "Look guys, these people are not heroes like us. They might not have the strength to stand up against evil like we are wont to do. They are just simple commoners trying to survive in a harsh world. This man, Vekk took advantage of them. He forced them to do a horrible act against their will. They were forced to choose life or death, albeit at the cost of someone else's life. They chose life, and can any of you honestly say you wouldn't do the same? We should be pitying them. Not condemning them. I suppose they could be lying but my gut tells me they aren't. And unless we have some kind of proof that they acted out of malice, I'm going to treat them as guests not prisoners."

Gwenifer is also disappointed that Finlogan seems to hate her. She feels him staring daggers into her back. But she chalks it up to cultural differences between humans and elves rather than her thinking she's done anything wrong.


Working with the wood, Gwen and Wraith determine that the disassembled carts have been broken down too much to be able to put back together properly. (Planks have been halved, you have no nails, etc.) Fortunately, the previously-intact cart (the one that was used as a weapon against you) still seems to have its axle and wheels in good working order. The sides are a bit busted, but you at least have a platform on wheels, big enough to hold some crates.

Speaking of crates, you find three new-looking, unopened crates in the cave. It seems that, with the shipment you were sent for having been only recently stolen, these folks had not yet completely run out of their previous supplies and therefore had not yet cracked into these new crates.

While you're all working and discussing the copyists' fate among yourselves, they begin to murmur a bit, and eventually a human man (not the one who blasted Gwen, if you're wondering) stands and speaks.

"I killed the last courier. I'm the only one besides Vekk who has actually killed anyone directly. I'm willing to face justice; I have nothing to lose anyway. But please, don't drag the others into it. Some of them have people depending on them. I'm the one you want."

Insight DC 10:

You're pretty sure he's lying, intending to sacrifice himself to save those who have more to lose by being incarcerated.


Half-Elf Rogue 1 | HP 16/16 | AC 16 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Perception +6

Insight: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

"That's very brave of you but unnecessary. I don't intend to let anyone take the blame her except Vekk. I've given my word on that."

"I have another question though. Since you people are able to write spellbooks and cast from scrolls, do you all have a talent with magic? I wasn't aware that just anybody could do these things."


The dwarven woman (the one who originally "answered the door") shakes her head. "No, actually, none of these are magical scrolls. These are all just instructional materials and spellbooks. I'm sure we've all picked up a little bit of magical theory from writing it so much, but only a couple of us have any budding magical skills." She nods toward the one who managed a magic missile against Gwen, "He's probably the most talented among us, as far as actual spellcasting goes."


Wood elf druid | Staff (8) | Frightened, Foresight, Barkskin AC 16 & HP: 68/102 Fire Elemental | Inspiration! | HP: 122/122 | shape 0/2 | d8 1/17 | 1st 2/4 | 2nd 0/3 | 3rd 3/3 | 4th 2/3 | 5th 1/2 | 6th 0/1 | 7th 0/1 | 8th 0/1 | 9th 0/1
Stats:
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11

Insight: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Finlogan shakes his head slightly at Gwen's comments, "that is certainly brave of you, sir. This situation will become more complicated when Vekk is allowed to speak for himself to the authorities. While he probably will lie, it would be better for you all to witness the truth in order to maintain your credibility.

"That's why I asked earlier whether Vekk saw the last courier killed. If he did see the killing, I'm sure Vekk will indict whomever, because he told you he would. Then, the authorities will question you. If you are lying, you will look more guilty. While if you tell the truth, then the authorities would be more inclined to grant mercy for this pitiful situation."

After a pause, "in addition to speaking on your behalf with the authorities, I will also speak to the academy of magecraft for potential employment. If you have practice creating instructional materials and spellbooks, there might be an opportunity for you to work there."

Persuasion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

How many of them are there?


Female Elf Bard (modified) 3 || AC 14 || HP 20/20 || Initiative +3 || Passive Perception 17 ||
More:
Saves: Str +2 Dex +5 Con +2 Int +6 Wis +3 Cha +1 || Perception +7 Stealth +7 Investigation +6 Insight +5

insight: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Wraith says nothing, concentrating on getting the supplies into crates and the crates onto what remains of the last cart.


Female Halfling Copper Draconic Sorcerer 4 | HP 27/30| AC 16 | Saves: Str+0, Dex+3, Con+4, Int+0, Wis+0, Cha+6 | PasPercpt10 | Skills: Arcana+2, Deception+6, Persuasion+6, SleightofHand+5 | Init.+3 | SpellAttack+6 | SpellSave14

Teo follows Wraith's lead and starts packing up the wagon. "No matter what is decided, the killing has stopped now. If we hear of any of you hurting anyone else, we will be back. And trust me, you don't want us to come back in a bad mood."


After some discussion, you all agree that since you'll need to do some talking with the authorities when you arrive in Sempal, it's probably best to go ahead and wait until morning.

After a blessedly uneventful night, you set out in the morning toward Sempal, goods and scribes in tow. Most of the morning is gone by the time you get into town and arrive at a guardhouse. You explain the situation and hand over Vekk and the others. Each of you presents your thoughts on the relative guilt or innocence of the group, and the guards take notes and promise to take all of your accounts into consideration.

When you're finally finished there, you grab some early lunch and head out again, hauling the materials you found back to Linhaus. After a long and dull day of walking and dragging, you finally arrive at the academy's Linhaus campus with the recovered shipment. You are directed to a small warehouse on the grounds, and told that Mr. Tokor will be sent to meet you. Sure enough, you've only just stopped your busted-up cart by the door when you see Tokor trotting your way.

"You found it!" squees the orc merrily. "How delightful! How did it go? Did you have any trouble?"


Female Elf Bard (modified) 3 || AC 14 || HP 20/20 || Initiative +3 || Passive Perception 17 ||
More:
Saves: Str +2 Dex +5 Con +2 Int +6 Wis +3 Cha +1 || Perception +7 Stealth +7 Investigation +6 Insight +5

No trouble. You shouldn't have any problems with missing or delayed shipments for a while. We've dealt with the bandits who were causing you trouble.


Half-Elf Rogue 1 | HP 16/16 | AC 16 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Perception +6

"'Bandit'. It was one man committing the crimes although he forced innocents to do some of his dirty work. But you were wise sending us to investigate the missing shipment. We weren't able to save the missing couriers lives but we'll have prevented future couriers from suffering the same fate."


Female Halfling Copper Draconic Sorcerer 4 | HP 27/30| AC 16 | Saves: Str+0, Dex+3, Con+4, Int+0, Wis+0, Cha+6 | PasPercpt10 | Skills: Arcana+2, Deception+6, Persuasion+6, SleightofHand+5 | Init.+3 | SpellAttack+6 | SpellSave14

"I wouldn't say 'no' trouble. I did get hit with a magically thrown cart, for goodness sakes. I think we went above and beyond with our success here. And I think it should be reflected in our payment. We did defeat a powerful mage!"


Female Elf Bard (modified) 3 || AC 14 || HP 20/20 || Initiative +3 || Passive Perception 17 ||
More:
Saves: Str +2 Dex +5 Con +2 Int +6 Wis +3 Cha +1 || Perception +7 Stealth +7 Investigation +6 Insight +5

Wraith shrugs at Teo's comment. Hazards of the profession. Things happen. Nobody died, and we had plenty of time for a safe rest. Thus, no trouble.

She sees it as no trouble, as worse has happened to her and her team and was classified as "no trouble worth mentioning". Not to say I necessarily think it was "no trouble"...


Wood elf druid | Staff (8) | Frightened, Foresight, Barkskin AC 16 & HP: 68/102 Fire Elemental | Inspiration! | HP: 122/122 | shape 0/2 | d8 1/17 | 1st 2/4 | 2nd 0/3 | 3rd 3/3 | 4th 2/3 | 5th 1/2 | 6th 0/1 | 7th 0/1 | 8th 0/1 | 9th 0/1
Stats:
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11

healing: second wind +HD: 1d10 + 1 + 2d8 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (2, 2) = 11

Finlogan listens to his companions share their perspectives. After a comfortable pause, he adds, "Mr. Tokor, the bandit's name was Vekk. He coerced eight people to work as scribes to produce spellbooks and instructional scrolls from the material that he stole from your shipments. I hope that he hasn't been selling it back to you or the academy in Sempal."

The wood elf prince hopes that he is wrong about that guess. "Those eight scribes were coerced into killing your last courier. I would appreciate it if you would join me to request mercy from the authorities in Sempal for them. Further, if you need scribes to produce spellbooks and instructional scrolls, they would greatly appreciate being employed. One of them actually can use magic, if that's important. You would be saving the lives of these eight people."


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The bespectacled orc listens politely to each of your accounts of what happened, though he seems to avoid eye contact with Gwen. When everyone has finished speaking, he says "Oh dear, that sounds like quite an ordeal indeed! I hope those people are okay. I'm certainly not in a position to promise anything, but as a newer campus we're likely to be trying to gradually expand, and therefore we may indeed be able to employ some of them should they come here seeking such employment."

He reaches into a satchel at his hip and says, "Now, as for the matter of payment, you've clearly gone through quite a bit of trouble. It'll max out my budget for such things, but I'll happily compensate you with a total of 120 gold pieces."
This is taking into account Teo's Persuasion roll from waaaaay back on page 1 that I said I'd let you all keep, so this is as good as it gets.

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