In Darkest Times (Inactive)

Game Master Magnu123

In short, this homebrew was intended for beginner GM's. The story contains a variety of elements in sequence that gradually go through different terrains, battle situations, and other challenges to allow a DM to become familiar with the rules.


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Male Human 59/66 hp Ranger(guide variant) 6

"I know I am the ranger, but I have never been any good with animals other than hunting them. I just wanted to make that clear. I am willing to help try to capture them though."


Female Human Monk 7

Sounds like a fair deal good rancher, lets nab some cattle!
I'm just going to run faster than them then throw a rope over there neck.


Male Human 59/66 hp Ranger(guide variant) 6
Edelle Flexhorn wrote:

Sounds like a fair deal good rancher, lets nab some cattle!

I'm just going to run faster than them then throw a rope over there neck.

"I don't know if that will force them to come along willingly. Now that I think about the owner has to have a way to get them into the pen. I figure asking him should provide answers."

I go ask the owner for suggestions...

PS:If he is present during the conversation I just turn around and ask him.


" Well alright then, Pete and Nicco here will get you folks saddled up and we'll see you later. My wife makes some of the finest steak you've ever had. " Your mouths water at the prospect of fresh food. You are taken with haste to the barn and each shown a horse and given some rope, and a knife in case of emergencies. The horses startle horribly as you approach them, almost jumping loose of their ties. Sumatek keeps noticing a smell on him and his companions, but he can't quite place it. Edelle finally snaps her fingers and nearly shouts the answer. "We smell like a drow! Even after all that water, we still have the smell of dark elf on us. Maybe that's what's scaring the animals. "

" That makes sense. Pete always said he could tell when a raid was about to happen by the way the herd moves. "


Male Half Elf Fighter 1/Sorceror 4/Dragon Disciple 2
Casvian wrote:
" I am willing to help try to capture them though."

I'm not. Have fun

After seeing Teriwyth's wizardry, Alric addresses him in Draconic.

Draconic:
I'm Alric. Im also a magician. But more urgently, did you know anything about the chest that those folk are still hauling about?


Spellcasters:
Teriwynth does not know any more about the chest than you do. It was a large and ornate chest taken from the drow temple. Originally it held a number of unique fetishes and religious tools, but those have since been replaced by other goodies. The chest itself was gold-plated. Your group checked over the entire hoard for magic before leaving, finding nothing.


Female Human Monk 7

Heading back to the rancher: We might need to have that bath first, we wont be much help till we do smelling like this

Has a bath (by her self)


" I don't understand. " The rancher looks confused, but still has that smile on his face. He must think you are joking.
To Alric when he refuses to help " What, a strong lad like yourself shouldn't be afraid of a few steers. Are you not feeling well, son? "
To Edelle when she suggests bathing "What exactly do you think you're doing? There's work to be done, unless you'd like to help out in the kitchen making supper? It's getting close to dark, we need to get this work done." All this is said with the same ear to ear grin as the man always carries.


Female Human Monk 7

The animals smell the drow, who we recently escaped from, on us. Unless we bath first we'll be more of a hindrance than a help trying to round up your animals. We're just trying to help, if you don't want us to help we'll keep moving. But trust me, us trying to help round up the animals before bathing will just cause you more troubles, driving your animals further away
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16


He looks at you sternly for a moment, contemplating. " Alright, let's get you all scrubbed up, but we have to do this in a hurry. Go fetch some water from the pump house and throw it on those boys like they're a hot fire on a dry day. "


Male Half Elf Fighter 1/Sorceror 4/Dragon Disciple 2

Alric opens his mouth to object, but when his stomach growls he closes it again.


Female Human Monk 7

Now that we don't all smell so bad the horses and cattle run from us, lets nab those cattle!


male Halfling rogue 6

That bath was refreshing lets get to work so we can get a good meal now.

Sumatek heads out to give the others a hand. GIDDY UP!!


Male Human 59/66 hp Ranger(guide variant) 6

After a quick bath Casvian is ready to go after the cattle:

Taking 10 gets me a 20 on my survival check to track them.


how to catch a steer:
Ok the fluff for this will be as follows (feel free to be more creative if you have a good idea):
The first decision you must make is how to split up the work load. Not everyone is good at everything, it is almost sunset and there are rumors of a cat-beast in the night. The ranch hands suggest traveling in pairs normally, but they themselves are going to work solo since they know well what they are doing.
Finding the cattle: relatively easy-Survival check against large herd animals from less than an hour ago on decent ground. Alternatively, you can use perception to check for signs of destruction, but DC is increased.

Approaching cattle: Handle animal or Profession(ranch hand) check. If successful, you gain control of the animal and can easily guide it back to the pen. Alternatively: ride with an increased DC to run the steer in the right direction. Option 3: pin the animal using rope and lead it by force using your horse. (The ranch hands tell you they will come more easily once roped in, but that you risk hurting the stock if you do it.)


Female Human Monk 7

Edelle looks at the big clunky horse and wonders what the point of a horse is, it's just big and fat. She decides that she'll just run around instead.
Meh, horses are for people who haven't got full use of their body like me, I'll stick to my feet
To make the cattle she finds move she'll bang her knife against he Bardiche to make a clanging sound that will make the cattle move.
*Clang, Clang*
Perception to find steer by the destruction in its wake (+13 is a lot better than -1): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Intimidate (that's what I think scaring the animal away from me will roughly be): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

Edit: Happy to be doing this by my self of with a squishy casty along for the ride on a horse.


male Halfling rogue 6

Ill stick with you Casvian. I suppose I can spot em but I sure don't know how to make em follow me.

aid another survival 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
and a spot check for signs of destruction 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
even a ride check maybe 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Sumatek does his best to help Casvian and stay out of his obviously more skilled way. He picks up a little bit on steering the cattle with his horse.

calling out to Casvian

maybe this horse is just letting me ride along while it does what it knows its supposed to do. HaHa.


Male Half Elf Fighter 1/Sorceror 4/Dragon Disciple 2

Rather than start at the herd, Alric dismounts in front of a straggler of the herd and tries to stare it down.
Intimidate 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16


Male Half-Elf Bard 1/Wizard 6

Treiwyth keeps out of the way, not nearly as flexible or agile as the other members of the party he whispers words of encouragement.

"Good Job, You've Got This, Be Cool, Give Em The Cold Stare."

Aid Another (Intimidate): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19


Correct me if I'm wrong

Sumatek and Casvian easily find a steer by following the fresh trail. Sumatek rides around the creature and it begins to move, much to Sumatek's surprise and delight.

The rest of the group travels following Edelle. She leads on foot by following the signs of downed tree branches. Eventually, the group come across two head of cattle and they begin to circle them, banging and making noise. The beasts bolt off away from them, roughly in the right direction.

At this point, the sun has set. Darkness falls and the sounds of the night begin to creep up on you.


male Halfling rogue 6

Yeehoo! This cattle round up is fun. I may have to change my occupation some day.
Sumatek notices its getting dark. Turning to casvian

figure we should head back now? I am starving.


You return to the field with your cattle without further complication. Once the horses are safely put away, you return quickly to the main house and sit down to a grand meal prepared by your hosts. You eat to your hearts' content and find yourselves prepared for a good night's sleep yet again, but before this, you are asked to go up and see Gary, who has regained consciousness. He is amazed and grateful for your help. He reaches into a bag that has been brought to him earlier. He pulls out a single ornate coin with a dragon posed on the front and a trophy on the flip side. "This is a dragon coin. Presented to those who are of true mettle during a time of crisis. I was given this by the Wyvern herself earlier in this year during a storm when I saved a number of villagers from a fire, but I was given two of these coins. Initially I refused, but the beast flew off. I have since held on to the second coin, waiting for someone to show true strength and a pure heart. I think your group is deserving of this. I only wish I had more than one to give to you. You can use this as proof of your worth and enter into the Wyvern Rodeo to the east. It has been delayed until the events here in Startville are resolved. I look forward to facing you in competition there. " With that, Gary hands you the coin and you are escorted out of the room by the landowner's wife who says that Gary needs to rest if he ever wants to ride in that rodeo. You are shown to your bunks in the bunkhouse and are left to your own devices.


Male Human 59/66 hp Ranger(guide variant) 6

"Do any of you need more healing before we turn in for the night?

If so roll for the charges.
The cure light wand is 1d8+1.
The cure mod is 2d8+3.

cure mod for myself: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (7, 6) + 3 = 16


Male Half-Elf Bard 1/Wizard 6

"Perhaps a bit but it ain't nothing that a good night's sleep wont fix, Thank You though."

I believe I'm still down 17 but I have a pair of spells left on my spell list

Cure Light Wounds 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Cure Light Wounds 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

And with that Teriwyth settles down and lets sleep take hold.


male Halfling rogue 6

Sumatek stays up for a while with the group and eventually goes to bed. Before he sleeps he will go to a window and open it and listen to the evening sounds. perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23


Male Half Elf Fighter 1/Sorceror 4/Dragon Disciple 2

Alric casts Extended Mage Armor, and eats before retiring.


Sumatek looks out into the darkness. Usually he would be put at ease by the sky overhead and the sounds of nature. Tonight however, there is an uncomfortable stillness in the air. It is tense like a snake about to strike. Still this is the first night he has been able to see the sky in a long time and he takes comfort in that fact.

In the morning, you are awoken fairly early to tend to the cattle before going back to the main house for an energizing breakfast. Over the breakfast table, some conversations are to be had.
Garry joins at the table, his leg braced in a cast, but he already seems to be well recovered.

"-No signs of the beast last night. -That's good, maybe this trouble is all over. -Not likely, I hear that the animals in town are getting worse. Every last one of them has gone feral, and it's spreading too. The locals have had to throw their pets out or put them down. If it hits us, we're ruined. -Do we even know that it can hurt our cattle? What if it's just pets? -We would be so lucky. I heard that Myra, the Gnome got attacked by a swarm of crows the other day. Nearly clawed her eyes out. And Jim got rammed by his sheep herd. Says they've started growing horns too. -Well, Jim's been a nut job since day one, anyways. How's the fence repair coming? -Didn't get it done last night, but the break's not that bad. Probably won't take long. "

As the breakfast conversation takes place, the landowner presents each of you with a small sum of money as thanks for your help. You are each given 5 GP for services rendered.


Female Human Monk 7

Things are sounding pretty bad, we'd better get moving on into town and see if we can help sort out the source of this problem. Thanks for the good food friends.


male Halfling rogue 6

Sumatek agrees with edelle and says his goodbyes to the farmer and his family.

You know last night it felt as though something was waiting for us to let our guard down. Was a gut feeling so I can't explain it entirely. I will be on point again as we head into town watching and looking for trouble ahead of us.

With that Sumatek ventures out and melts into the shadows of the land and begins his work.

perception traps 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
perception enemies 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
stealth 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37


Male Half-Elf Bard 1/Wizard 6

Teriwyth awakens in the morning, smiling at the sun peeking through the drapes. Throwing off his blanket he hops from bed, eager to see his first sunruse in who knows how long.

Teriwyth accepts the gold with great reverence. A gesture is a gesture, no matter how small. He quickly rushes through breakfast, eating with gusto. After a rushed thanks to whoever prepared such a meal he gathers the scraps of rolled parchment that make up his spellbook he heads outside. To do magic stuff in the glory that is the morning sunrise.


After packing up and eating, your group makes their way the rest of the short trip into town. You can see it almost immediately once the ranch has left view. The first building on the edge of town is Winston's Tavern, the same place where you were captured those many days ago. The building is now boarded up and the pile of logs in the back is rotting slightly. In town proper, there is little activity on the streets. The one or two people who you do see rush from building to building as though afraid to be caught outside too long. Most blinds are drawn and most shops are closed.


Male Human 59/66 hp Ranger(guide variant) 6

"Thanks for the gold sir. It is truely appreciated."


Male Human 59/66 hp Ranger(guide variant) 6

Once I am in town I suggest speaking to the people to more information.
If anyone does a building to building rush I call out to them.

"Hey, you, come here. What is going on?"
diplomacy:1d20 - 2 ⇒ (14) - 2 = 12

edit:If that roll did not help the situation a look of embarassment appear on my face.
"I guess I could have been nicer about that."


male Halfling rogue 6

Watching the people scurry about Sumatek looks around and wonders aloud.
What is the problem with all these people? they look as if they are about to be assaulted by an army.

If any townsfolk happen to come near he will attempt to stop them and ask them some questions politely. diplomacy 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

The tension of the place puts Sumatek on edge and he begins to take a closer notice of his surroundings. He keeps his hands resting on his weapon pommels more casually than aggressive.
perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23


Male Half Elf Fighter 1/Sorceror 4/Dragon Disciple 2

Perhaps they have been. It's what brought us back here after all.


Female Human Monk 7

Edelle chats to some locals to find out what is going on:
Hey, thinks look pretty bleak around here
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

EDIT: Eyes open during chats:
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25


Male Half-Elf Bard 1/Wizard 6

Teriwyth tries to pay attention but his attention is quickly subverted by the moving clouds.


Your group, perhaps a bit too aggressive appearing with their plethora of weapons, is unable to stop anyone on the streets. Edelle notes however, that most people seem to be heading in the same direction. She recalls also that the south end of town is where the Temple would be located. In a time of crisis, it is likely that people would gather there.

On your way towards the temple, there is a crashing sound behind a building, like barrels being knocked over. After this, there is the screech of a cat. It is an agonized hiss, like it is in pain and that it is afraid. This ceases after a moment. Going to investigate quickly, you are met by a pack of wild dogs chewing on the now dead cat. The dogs look strange though. Their eyes are blood-shot, their mouths foam and their hair is fallen out in matted clumps. The dogs growl angrily at you and begin to attack.
Initiative, and first round.
Map Here. Simple Map for a simple fight.


Male Half-Elf Bard 1/Wizard 6

Teriwyth is probably somewhere near the back. Around N-25 seems to do nicely. (assuming that big gap between the buildings is the street).

Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Teriwyth holds out his makeshift staff in front of him and wiggles his fingers menacingly.


Male Half Elf Fighter 1/Sorceror 4/Dragon Disciple 2

Initiative 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Alric comes to the conclusion that this is a nice time to climb. (F 15)

Climb 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21


male Halfling rogue 6

initiative 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Sumatek hops behind the corner of the building and attempts to stealth. he draws both his weapons as he moves into the shadow ready to attack the first beast that may come near him E/19

1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22


Female Human Monk 7

Initiative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Edelle will be starting at M25 and then moving (and drawing bardiche) up to M18 ready to react to dog movements.


Round 1:
27-Edelle
21-Sumatek
17-Alric
10-Dogs
9-Teriwynth
The dogs spread out from their current meal to attack you. Their mouths foam with rage and they appear to be incredibly fast and strong for just normal dogs.

Sumatek attempts to hide behind a barrel in the side street, but one dog, almost the size of an orc it seems, detects him and bites. 12 damage

While climbing, Alric is also attacked by a dog. who leaps up at him, but fails to reach enough height and its jaw snaps loudly against air.
Edelle and Casvian are both charged by dogs and are bitten. 9 damage to Edelle, 10 to Casvian

The unhealthy state of the dogs is more apparent now that your group is closer to them. The rotting meat and froth of their mouths causes an immediate burning in the bite wound. Fortitude save for anyone bitten


Male Half-Elf Bard 1/Wizard 6

Teriwyth moves to try and get the highground from where he can rain down firey death without worrying about hitting allies. He calls out "HEADS DOWN!" as a gout of flame pours from his hands, enveloping the mangy hounds.

Burning Hands: 5d4 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 2, 3) = 13 DC 16


male Halfling rogue 6

fortitude save 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Nasty beast!!!

Sumatek launches into an all out attack on the sickened animal.

rapier 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
light mace 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Damage rapier 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
damage light mace 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

total 6 pt


Female Human Monk 7

As a dog runs away from her Edelle takes a swipe with her Bardiche.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 & Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Taking a nasty bit from the dog that slowly closes on her she tries to shrug off the nasty bite.
For Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Taking a 5' step back down the road to N19 she then attempts to slice the dog in front of her:
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 & Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 & Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 & Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Critical confirmation and possible damage from the first attack:
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 & Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4


Male Half Elf Fighter 1/Sorceror 4/Dragon Disciple 2

Alric, feeling secure atop the wall, then flings a chakram toward the nearest beast.

Quickdraw, Arcane strike
Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Damage 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7


male Halfling rogue 6

readied initial attack on the dog

rapier 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
light mace 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

critcheck rapier 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
and a save vs web spell of the rapier


Round 2:
27-Edelle
21-Sumatek
17-Alric
10-Dogs
9-Teriwynth

Sumatek hits with most of his weapons, and scores a strong blow with his rapier on a second shot, releasing a magical spew of webbing. Fortunately for the dog, it is able to dodge this magical effect.

Alric throws down a projectile at the dog from the top of this high wall, striking it hard, but just barely missing a vital area.

Edelle does a decent job attempting to hit the dog assailing her, but even with two strong hits, she is amazed to see the dog still functioning.

The dogs redouble their efforts on the prey most accessible to them. Teriwynth, being neither nimble nor well equipped is bitten by two dogs, one of which gets near his throat to deliver a powerful blow almost knocking him over. fully 22 damage and a fortitude save. Two dogs also advance on Edelle, one charging at her with a chakram in its back. Both o these attacks miss, due in no small part to Edelle's dextrous movements. Sumatek faces the last dog of the pack, which bits him in the leg, and tears down through to the muscle. 13 damage These beasts appear to be running purely on adrenaline. They pant heavily and appear to waver, but none fall just yet. .

Teriwynth steps back before casting so as not to have his concentration broken by the dog before him. He unleases a wave of flame upon the beast, being careful not to accidentally catch the adjacent house on fire.


Female Human Monk 7

Slicing at the charging dog:
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 & Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Taking another 5' step back, this time to N20 I continue to wail on them:
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 & Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 & Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 & Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

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