mikeawmids' Hoard of the Dragon Queen [5e]

Game Master mikeawmids


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For the past several days, you have been travelling a road that winds lazily across the rolling grasslands of the Greefields. Sundown is approaching when you top a rise and see the town of Greenest just a few short miles away. But instead of the pleasant, welcoming town you expected, you see columns of black smoke rising from burning buildings, running figures that are little more than dots at this distance. A dark, winged shape wheels low over the keep that rises above the center of the town.

Greenest is being attacked by a dragon!

What do you do?


Half-Orc Barbarian 1

From his position at the front of the caravan Krathok's eyes rise from the earth where they are generally fixated to take in the smoke and winged terror unfolding. Turning and holding up a hand to halt to ensure that all others have also seen it he growls "Best get caravan under cover... not want dragon come and burn it. Then go see if we can save people?"


AC 16 Init +3 passive perception 15

Istiel spots the smouldering village and her eyes go wide. Hearing the half-orc's words, she nods and whispers to the green, flames appearing in her hand, shedding a narrow circle of light.

"We go now," she says.

Cast Produce Flame.


The caravan master, an obese human merchant wearing travel-stained silks bustles over to investigate the delay. His eyes boggle at the sight of the dragon attacking Greenest.

"Where do you think you're going?" he squawks at Krathok, "You're being paid to protect my merchandise, not gallavant off rescuing peasants!"


Male Half Elf Gunslinger 1

Holding his hand up to his hat to block the sun from his eyes the half elf whistles a low whistle. Looking back to his mule and cart full of wares he tries to give it a push. He shrugs his shoulders.

"The beast of burden isn't moving, we might as well scout it out and see if there is anywhere for us to rest for the evening if the dragon leaves. And if the dragon does not leave perhaps there are noblemen and women down there willing to pay us more for our services."


Half-Orc Barbarian 1

Addressing the caravan master "Krathok said - get caravan under cover, then go save customers. More people here more likely dragon come."


The ever strange and disturbingly silent astronomer prepares to follow the group...


The caravan master blusters a while longer, but soon submits to Krathok's instruction.

The town of Greenest lies several miles distant and by the time you get there, the sun has set below the western horizon. A pale, half moon rises; yet visibility is not a problem. Greenest burns and the smoky light of the fires is enough to see by.

(Mechanically, the town of Greenest is dimly illuminated, meaning you are at disadvantage on any Perception checks that rely on sight. I guess the fires/screams would hinder scent and hearing as well).

The road into town crosses a shallow stream that winds around the southern border of the settlement. Groups of panicked villagers run screaming through the smoke, harried by armed warriors. Others seem to be ignoring the helpless locals in favour of looting their homes.

Without warning, five humans dash out from between two buildings on your left. A limping man leads three young children race across the street into more shadows, and a woman carrying a round shield and a broken spear turns and faces back in the direction from which they came. Eight kobolds stream out of the alley on the family's heels and fan out around the woman, who looks determined to delay the creatures as long as possible.

She is hopelessly outnumbered by the reptilian savages, but the grim set to her smoke-blackened face shows she is prepared to sacrifice herself if it gives her family the time to escape.

(What do you do? The adventure as written asks for initiative roles at this point, but I suppose you might want to try something else, instead of attacking).


Female Human Paladin 1

Madeleine has been walking with her hammer and shield drawn since they spotted the dragon from afar. She turns to the others members of the caravan guard. "We have to stop those kobolds; we won't be able to move caravan safely through here until we're rid of them."


Half-Orc Barbarian 1

Taking the lead in the approach to the town as his brutish eyes are less impeded by the growing dark, Krathok's right hand is a heavy axe and his left a round wooden shield. At the sight of the kobolds and coming affray his muscles tense as though to charge...

Unless told otherwise Krathok will be bundling right in.... he's a simple half-orc.


Male Half Elf Gunslinger 1

Rission had been carrying his shortbow waiting for a time to hide in the shadows. He walked near the back of the group with the tiefling, while his skill with a rapier would be up to par Rission knew where he belonged. Upon seeing the woman defending the children he drew an arrow ready to let it fly.

"Ah, not a friendly day in the neighborhood. Perhaps we can strike gold with new friends as well as enemies."

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13


Female Human Paladin 1

"Krathok, draw them off of her. I'll get the woman to safety," Madeleine prepares to rush in and support the Barbarian. She's sure he's going to draw their attention one way or another.

Init: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6


Moving, Moving...

Init1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17


Kobold group initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Wisdom/Perception roll to identify threat the party pose (DC.15, the kobolds are not at disadvantage due to their darkvision): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4

Looks like you guys get a surprise round to act, during which the kobolds cannot move, act or react.

Rolling initiative for Krathok: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13 & Istiel 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Initiative Order: Bryseis > Rission > Krathok > Kobolds > Istiel > Madeleine

If the kobolds spotted you before you fall upon them, they must have assumed that you were part of the large, disorganised group of raiders plundering Greenest. The eight kobolds are fanned out in a loose semi-circle around the human family. They could overwhelm the woman at any time, but seem to be enjoying toying with her.

"Stay back, you scaly bastards!" she snarls, swinging her broken spear at any of the kobolds that gets too close.

(Kobold AC is 12, if your attack roll equals/exceeds this value, roll damage)


Her silver eyes glowing like alien silver Bryseis calls upon the might of elder Caiphon...

attack1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

damage1d10 ⇒ 1


(I'm guessing that was Eldritch Blast?)

One of the kobold shrieks - more surprised than actually injured - as Bryseis' silver eye beam glances off its scaly hide.


Sorry that I didn't list that


Half-Orc Barbarian 1

Round 1: AC 15, HP 15/15

Krathok sweeps forward, calling upon the well of black rage within him as he does, before exploding when he reaches the nearest kobold. Stepping right before spinning left he roars as his battleax is swung in a wide and low arc...
Bonus action: begin Rage (lasts until Round 11)
Move: move into contact with a kobold
Action: Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 for 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12

...his swing ponderous, but unable to be checked by the reptilian creature and instead biting into the beast's soft flesh.


Male Half Elf Gunslinger 1

Round 1

Rission let's his arrow fly hoping that it flies true. He realizes the kobolds haven't taken notice of their group yet and uses this opportunity.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 71d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

"That's going to cost me."


(The kobolds do not get to act this round, as they are surprised, waiting for posts from Madeleine & Istiel)

Krathok's mighty blow cleaves a kobold warrior in half, a geyser of dark blood spurting from both pieces of its ragged torso! The rest of the kobolds shuffle around to face this new (and pretty terrible) threat. As a result of which, the intended target of Rission's arrow spots the archer a moment before he releases the bowstring and manages to duck to one side as the shaft whistles over its scaly head.


AC 16 Init +3 passive perception 15

Sorry ... was on the road all day yesterday and too wiped to post when I finally made it home

Istiel sees the kobolds threatening the family and flings the flame held in her hand towards them. She draws her scimitar and advances.

spell attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3


Female Human Paladin 1

Round One

Madeleine will step in to attack a Kobold at the woman's back and cover her from behind. She swings her hammer in a horizontal arch at the small creatures chest with a great woosh.

Hammer Time: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Hammer Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

If confirmed: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9


The goblin hit by Istiel's fire magic stops, drops (prone) and rolls as the sorcerous flames sear its scaly hide.

The crunch of shattering ribs is audible over the crackling flames as Madeleine's hammer collides with a kobold's chest. It coughs up a mouthful of dark blood before collapsing onto its back. Madeleine finds herself fighting back-to-back with the woman with the broken spear. She nods to you in acknowledgement of your battle prowess, but there is no time to chat. Realising the tide of battle has turned against them, the remaining six kobolds are determined to finish things quickly.

So at the end of round one, two of the eight kobolds are dead, one is badly burnt and one is lightly injured).

Two of the kobolds reach for their slings, in order to return fire at Bryseis and Rission. Another two circle Madeleine and her new friend, looking for a gap in their defence. The scorched goblin is rolling around on the floor and the final kobold reluctantly edges towards the mighty Krathok, trying not to look at the bloody mess of the last creature to stand in the barbarian's way.

Back to the top for round 2.


Once again Bryeis unleashes another fragment of power...

eldritch blast1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

1d10 ⇒ 7


Male Half Elf Gunslinger 1

A short sigh as he missed with his first arrow, Rission reaches into his quiver for another. Eyeing the battlefield he picks his target, best to help the melee types.

Krathok can handle himself, the woman is injured and could use some help. Let's hope that I don't have to waste another arrow.

"Ms. Madeline would you be so kind as to take care of the slingers for us? I'll gladly cover you in return, free of charge of course. Well, the kobold might pay in blood, but that's not my thing."

Seeing his chance to help the woman and Madeline the half elf fires his bow at a kobold next to the woman with the broken spear.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 162d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 6) + 3 = 12 Extra d6 comes from sneak attack.


One of the two kobolds menacing the human family spins around suddenly, clawing at the arrow protruding from its neck. A second kobold is consumed in eldritch fire, reducing the creature to a glowing pile of silvery dust.

Four kobolds remain, one is one fire, one attacking Krathok, one attacking Madeleine and one about to sling a rock at Rission's head. They will act after the barbarian.


AC 16 Init +3 passive perception 15

Istiel pulls her shield and rushes the burning kobold, slashing it with her scimitar.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
advantage? attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4


Half-Orc Barbarian 1

Deeply sunk into the thrill of the melee, Krathok uses his shield as leverage to push the kobold before him away before raising his axe high. The heavy and cruel blade is then brought down in a cross slash aimed at the kobold's head...
Battleax: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 for 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8


The koblin stumbles back, slipping on the glistening entrails spilt from the dead kobold at its feet. Krathok's next attack chops deep into its skull and kills the creature instantaneously.

Istiel, you would have had advantage had you acted before the kobolds in the initiative order, as it is, the kobold spends half his move action standing up. Checking the rules, it does not look as though this entitles you to an attack of opportunity. :(

As Istiel approaches to finish the scorched kobold, it scrambles to its feet and lashes out at her with a vicious, little dagger.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 ~ 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

His attack misses by a considerable margin. Istiel's counter-attack almost takes the kobold's head off its shoulders, but the wretched creature twists out of the way at the last possible moment.

At the same time, the last kobold releases his sling and sends a large stone speeding towards Rission's head.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 ~ 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The rock hits Rission between the eyes (for 3 damage), that's going to leave a bruise.

Just Madeleine to act and then onto round 3.


Female Human Paladin 1

Madeleine nods to Rission, but is reluctant to leave the woman with the broken spear in such a position. "Sorry for the lack of introduction, I'm Madeleine Alexis of the fallen noble House Alexander..." she uses her next hammer swing as a comma for the sentence.

Hammer Swing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"...Knight of Mielikki in the Order of the Shadoweirs. We'll keep you and yours safe."

"Let me help her first, dear," she yells back to Rission.

Madeleine is attacking the kobold that's about to attack her


While not so powerful as her previous blow, Madeleine's attack is still sufficient to put the kobold out of the fight.

"Well met Lady Alexis," the woman greets you, unsure whether to offer her hand or perform an awkward bow, "You help is greatly appreciated. If you'll excuse me, I must see to my family".

Just two kobolds remain, the one fighting Istiel and the one with the sling.


Half-Orc Barbarian 1

Keeping up his assault Krathok sweeps forward to see if his axe can taste more reptillian blood. He forgoes any sense of form and hacks like a wildman...
Battleax: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 for 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9 - against the one with the sling
...and he is not disappointed as crimson fluid sprays with pressure once more.


Male Half Elf Gunslinger 1

After the rock hit him in the face Rission waves his hand in front of his eyes to check his vision. With everything fine he aims his bow at the slinger before smirking.

"Oh you hit me with a rock! Let's just hope that it doesn't leave a lasting mark. I knew missing with that first arrow would cost me, but not as much as it's going to cost you."

Holding off until Bryseis launched her attack his arrow would be waiting in case the last kobold decided to dodge her magic. Lucky for him the kobold was right next to Ms. Madeleine.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 82d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 = 7


Female Human Paladin 1

Just in case it comes down to it, I don't want to be holding the game up

"Go in peace," Madeleine tells the woman. The links in the chain-mail armor clank together as she brings her arm up to bring the hammer down toward the head of the small kobold. The hammer slices downward through the air.

Hammer Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8


AC 16 Init +3 passive perception 15

I wasn't sure about the advantage, but better to roll it if I had it. And should my attack be needed....

Istiel laughs at the creature swipes at her with its dagger, and then hacks down at it.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5


1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 = miss

The last kobold lunges for Istiel, aiming to drive its knife through her breast. Istiel's own attack hacks its arm off at the shoulder and the severed limb drops to the ground between you, the weapon rolling from its limp fingers.

All eight kobolds have been defeated.

The woman you have just saved runs to her family and drops the broken spear in order to embrace her children. Her husband smiles grimly, his face place from loss of blood, a nasty leg wound bleeds profusely.

"Thankyou strangers," he says, "When I saw you emerge from the smoke, I felt for sure you were more raiders come to slay us. Thank the gods for your aid! Please, the only chance we have to stay alive is to reach the keep before they close the gates. If we can make it inside, we can wait for reinforcements to drive off this murderous brigands and their kobold pets."


Male Half Elf Gunslinger 1

Moving to the kobold that he shot, the rogue pulls the arrow out of its skull and examines the arrowhead wondering if it's still usable.

"Raiders? Us? You have the wrong idea good sir, and if we must make it to the keep we should do so with haste. We must be cautious of any other dangers lurking about the city as well."

Looking over the man with the leg wound he sighs. Rission was no healer, one of the few talents he did not possess was skill with medicine.

"Does anybody have anything that could help this man's wound?"


Female Human Paladin 1

Madeleine approaches the man with the leg wound, sitting her hammer and shield at her side.

"May I?" she asks acknowledging the man's leg wound.

If allowed she would like to use Lay on Hands for the wound. She will expend 5 hit points worth of healing for the man


Half-Orc Barbarian 1

As the last of the kobolds hits the dirt, Krathok feels the black rage rush from his flesh. A wave of fatigue flows over him, and the brute takes a knee by a kobold corpse and wipes the worst of the gore from his axe blade. He leaves the talking to the others, but listens to what is being said.


The man nods uncertainly, allowing Madeleine to touch his wounded leg. He gasps in surprise as golden light radiates from the injury. His trousers remain torn and bloody, but the wound beneath is completely healed!

"Thankyou, my lady, thankyou!" the man cries in amazement.

"Is daddy's leg better?" one of the children asks.

"I dont suppose you can do anything about the state of his britches?" the woman asks hopefully, "Lady Alexis, will you and your companions join us at the keep? I'm certain Mayor Nighthill will welcome you all when we tell him of your heroism.


Half-Orc Barbarian 1

Snorting as he stands Krathok asks "How far keep? We see more kobold on way?"


Female Human Paladin 1

"If we do, I promise to let you draw first blood," Madeleine tells Krathok with a hand on the shoulder.

Madeleine glances back at the others. "We should escort them to the Keep, it would be safer that way," Madeleine says.


AC 16 Init +3 passive perception 15

Istiel nods, smiling at the children.

"We'll get you safely to the keep," she says. "Stay close to your parents."

Her eyes lose their warmth when she raises them to the parents.

"You'll have to lead the way. If you know any back routes where we may meet fewer of these raiders, that would be good."


Male Half Elf Gunslinger 1

I like this Istiel, the children deserve some peace of mind.

Squatting on his knees next to the children the rogue smiles a broad smile. A few quick movments of his hands as he seems to pull a silver piece out of the little boys ear. He hands the boy the silver before clapping and pulling another silver piece and handing it to the other.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"Listel to the ladies advice and you'll be just fine. Although we should start moving."


Half-Orc Barbarian 1

Grunting and nodding Krathok keeps his weapons at the ready, and looks to take point beside the townsperson leading them keep-ward.


Bryseis follows her companions, eerily silent...


Istiel Jadanas wrote:

Istiel nods, smiling at the children.

"We'll get you safely to the keep," she says. "Stay close to your parents."

Her eyes lose their warmth when she raises them to the parents.

"You'll have to lead the way. If you know any back routes where we may meet fewer of these raiders, that would be good."

"I've lived in Greenest since I was their age," the man answers, gesturing to where his children stand transfixed by Rission's show of impromptu street magic, "I can get us to within 100 yards of the keep without using the main roads. We'll still need to keep our heads down, those bastards in the purple robes are everywhere, but I reckon we can make it."

He glances again at his children, "I'm counting on it."

Please all make a group Dexterity/Stealth roll. The DC was originally 10, but recruiting the locals to guide you drops it to 5. If at least half the party pass, you traverse the town unobserved. If not, you are spotted.


stealth1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5


Half-Orc Barbarian 1

Remaining unseen is not exactly in Krathok's wheelhouse, but he makes an attempt...
Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14


Madeleine's stealth roll: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Half the party have passes, so you have succeeded on the group roll.

After about 20 minutes weaving through the smoky maze of burning hovels, you catch sight of the keep's imposing grey walls rearing from the acrid smog. A group of stalwart men defend the gate from a group of murderous kobolds. Chief among the defenders is a brawny, red haired dwarf brandishing a bloody hammer. The defenders are holding the attackers back while helpless townsfolk stream into the keep - but they cannot hold indefinetely. A group of purple robed mercenaries approach from the west, if they join the kobolds at the gate, the keep could be lost!

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