Castle Caldwell and Beyond: (A 5e Campaign) - The Wrecking Crew (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Victor falls in at the back end of the group, bow at the ready and eyes alert for trouble.

Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Frustrated by the door to the tower and its magical protections, the party grumbles a bit and moves back down the stone stairs to the ground below.

The day is getting on now and sunset will begin in too long a while, as the group moves back toward the front of the Manor House, Niall sneaks close to one of the shed like structures near the castle wall, and peers around the open doorway.

Suddenly a giant woodland creature burst forth from the space from the other side of the door. Niall is startled as the creature leaps at him with tooth and claw

Niall must make a Wisdom Saving Throw, or be frightened. The Save DC is 10. Also, the creature has surprise, and will get one attack against Niall, Roll for Initiative!

Giant Shrew Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Surprise round attack against Niall!

Claw: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

The large dog sized, dark grey furry creature leaps toward Niall and claws his arm

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Round 1 will start as soon as we know who has the highest Initiative!

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Nature to Identify the Animal: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Ayita is stupid.

"Oh my gods! Giant...something! Don't hurt it! It's probably just hungry."

You know, early in the colonization of parts of South America, the Catholic Church officially recognized the Capybara as a "fish" (because church officials in Rome were told that the animal lived in the water most of the time and had scales as well as hair). This misleading information was done because Catholic settlers were happy to eat the capy's on Fridays, so, you know, Ayita, don't feel bad. Maybe you can call him "spot"

Wisdom Save!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

" Hungry for Half elf! " Niall screams.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Well, the beast is not the only one who is hungry. Perhaps we'll see what it tastes like later," Magnus said, leaping into battle with blade drawn.

"Ho! What is this turning of events"?

1d20 ⇒ 7 Initiative

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Castle Caldwell, the country of Harrispania

Day 1, Wednesday (turn 100) approximate time of day, 4:30 pm.

Retreeting from the failed attempt to access the Northwest Castle Tower, the party has disturbed a Giant Shrew, hiding in one of the small wooden “coop” like structures…

Lijan’s Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Niall is surprised, clawed, and is now “Frightened,” he has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks as long as he can the Giant Shrew, and will not willing approach the Giant Shrew, so he cannot attack it until his frightened condition is remedied
Round 1…

Magnus leaps with giant strides toward the Shrew as Niall retreats.

"Only one of us dines well tonight, beast, and Vodhan willing, it won't be you," Magnus says as he hacks at the creature with his longsword.

Longsword attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 181d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

With a single well placed stroke, the big man kills the creature where it stands.

Klodd draws his might warhammer ready to let blood... then his shoulders slump as the quick Northman dispatches the beast with one blow.

"Humph! Quit stealing all the glory. Nice shot though".

"Poor creature. We didn't even learn it's name. I shall say a prayer to Mielikki for it tonight."

Niall jumps behind Magnus before he realises the beast is dead, he steadies himself taking deep breathes. " Thank you Magnus, I, I thought I was a goner... "

Victor nods to Magnus, "Yours is certainly the God of battle my friend".

"Well, that happened," says Perry, having not even had time to react before it was all over. "You alright, Niall? Are we ready to move on?"

Niall takes a few breaths and feels the fear in him subside. It is only then that he flexes his arm and feels the pain where the claws had drawn blood.

With the shadows growing longer, Perry, Klodd, and Magnus lead the group toward the front of the manor house, while Victor keeps a watch at the rear for any more surprises.

The party is ready to enter the Manor House.

Ayita sees that Lijan's arm is bleeding badly and rips off a piece of her skirt and wraps it around his arm.

Medicine: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

"Sorry, I don't actually have any skill at this, but I've seen healers in my village do it before."

"If we clear out this manor before nightfall, you boys might have a soft bed to rest on tonight. I personally prefer a nice tree with wide branches."

Way back when, we disguised the elves and half-elves as humans in case we encountered a bandit casting sleep spells. I think that's still in effect in case it comes up.

Slowly the party gathers near the large double doors of the front of the Manor House. While Ayita bandages Niall’s arm, stemming the ooze of blood from the wound, the rest of the group takes a moment to look over the large building in front of them

The manor house appears to be made of stone, and covered over with a thick plaster. The stones are small, bricks actually, and the plaster is peeling away in places. The building has narrow windows on the first and second floor, all along the face of the building to either side of the front door, but it is immediately obvious that the windows are boarded up from the inside.

The manor house doors are dark, stained hard wood, carved with a simple geometric relief on each door. There are handles on the doors, and even though they appear to have suffered considerably from years of neglect, they are still closed, and look formidable.

Victor looks at the building and comments to his companions, "There is no way that some presence does not already occupy this building. Perhaps we should look for another way in besides the front door".

It is about 4:30 now, is the sun setting or close to setting?

"If there's a window, there's a way."

The sun is low on the horizon, sunset will be soon. Your characters don't have a way to tell exact time, but you are well familiar with the seasons and the amount of daylight left when the sun is low like it is. Let's say you all know that there are only a couple of hours of daylight left, but then again you really don't know what an hour is, haha. At this time of day, it always seems like the sunset creeps up sooner than you expect. When it begins to get dark I will give you plenty of warning

...but then again you really don't know what an hour is...

Huh, this is probably the first medieval fantasy setting I've ever seen where the sundial hasn't already been invented at least a thousand years prior. ;)

Perry shakes his head at Victor's suggestion. "No. We've already established that not everyone here is looking for trouble. If the occupants - which I agree we should assume exist - are people who can be reasoned with, then painting ourselves as threats by sneaking in like thieves is going to cause unnecessary conflict. Or if the occupants are animals or monsters, we might not actually benefit from sneaking in, as we might be sniffed out or otherwise easily detected despite our efforts. No, knocking on the front door is exactly what we should do. Even if we encounter hostile people, we can at least use the doorway as a choke point."

Unless someone stops him, Perry then walks up and knocks politely on the door.

Come on, seriously? Of course there are sundials, and water clocks, hour glasses filled with precisely measured sand, but none of those things are going to help the character tell how fast time is passing right now, and I stand by my comment that it is singularly unlikely that any of the characters has ever had to be concerned with the passing of hours to the degree that they know exactly what an hour is, sheesh, don't be so hard on me, please. I'm just trying to not be simplistically dismissive of the aspect of time in a setting such as this. Or I guess I should just say...The sun will set in two hours and ten minutes

Oh, you just meant we didn't have a feel for how long an hour is? I thought you meant more like "What is this 'hour' you speak of?", like there was literally no concept of it. That's different, then. :)

Victor shrugs at Perry's comment, "I disagree but I chose you to lead and I shall follow your instincts".

Victor does not raise his bow but he keeps an arrow notched, just in case.

Klodd blows out his mustache. "Makes no difference to me... dark or light... day or night..."

His blood still up from the short-lived fight with the shrew, Magnus waits eagerly with his sword drawn as Perry announces their presence at the door.

" Thanks Ayita. " Niall says as the elf stems the blood flow with a bandage.

Niall stays towards the back of the group, holding his bandaged up arm with the other, straining to listen for an answer to Perry's knock.

"Wait a minute Niall. We need you at full strength. Let's see if I can do something about that wound".

1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Cure Wounds

" oh, " Niall rubs his arm. " Uh, thanks Klodd. " he bounces on the balls of his feet for a moment and smiles.

Hellloooo, anybody there ?
Histoff says quite loud near the door when Perry knocks the door.

With a grin, that many mistake for a glare, Klodd nods his head. "No problem. You can owe Fergus Mithril Blood one".

Klodd then readies his crossbow... just in case.

The crew mills about near the entrance to the manor House, taking note of the fine doors, and seeing that though they appear in solid, good condition, they are also showing signs of wear from prolonged exposure to the weather and lack of maintenance.

Klodd sees to Niall’s injury and with a simple spell the young Alodoan’s arm is quickly healed and feeling better.

Victor takes a position to have a good view of the door, and anything beyond should they open, while also keeping far enough away to have a view of the rest of the courtyard as well.

Magnus steps close to Perry, ready to charge into the room should something dangerous appear, while Ayita and Lijan stay a few feet behind and to the left.

There is a brief moment of silence, once everyone is sure they are ready, and Perry knocks lightly on the left hand door.

Immediately something hits the door, and the sound of rubble being knocked about follows, and then the loud distinct snarls and calls of several wolves can be heard.

"There, you see?" Perry says. "Aren't you glad we have a moment to decide how to deal with that before opening the door?"

Perry then takes a step back, draws his sword, and starts motioning people to get into position.

"Yes, wolves are dangerous foes ... a blind assault could cost some of us our breath," Magnus says, glancing meaningfully at some of the softer members of the party. "Perhaps we can prepare a spiked pit or some other trap that would tip the battle in our favor. Vodhan has gifted me with the ability to call morning fog even miles from the sea, so we could conceal the trapped ground.

"I can also bless our sword hands with a spell to better pierce hide and armor, or call on the Storm King to smite my attackers with thunder."

Victor notches an arrow, "Sound more like Goblins with wolf pets to me..."

Ayita draws her sword and gets ready.

"You know how I feel about goblins. We're probably going to be forced to put these wolves down, and I'll make sure all who are responsible gets what's coming to them."

"I'm not sure we want to take the time to set up a pit trap right now," Perry says to Magnus. "I like the blessing idea, though."

"The Blind God will show his favor to up to three of us when I pray. Who will stand with me on the front line?" Magnus asks, readying his sword and shield for the coming fight.

We should probably get the three PC with the best Armor Class to stand in a line near the door, preventing our enemies from spreading without drawing opportunity attacks. Bless will add +1d4 to attack and saves for the three chosen. Magnus will serve as one - who else?

Ayita's AC might not be the highest but she'll hold the line.

"I will stand with you, Magnus! The hero of my people, Rowtag, often fought against incredible odds. I seek to do better!"

Ayita falls into line next to the cleric.

Is there fighting defense or total defense in 5th edition? If so, Ayita will take a defensive stance until the enemy appears.

The Dodge action gives disadvantage to attacks made against you until the start of your next turn.

" I'm ready to back you up. " Niall says, standing behind the front rank. His eyes a blaze and energy crackling from his right hand. " I might be able to put some of our enemies to sleep once the action starts. "

Klodd weighing his hammer in one hand and banging his shield steps up to take position in the front line.

"Are we going to do this"?

"I've not quite got the hang of shields, or anything heavier than this," Perry says, tapping his somewhat unimpressive armor. "I'll stay slightly back and use magical support, and try to cut down any strays that get past you."

Histoff feels his heart beating faster thr wolves sounds reminding him something.
The sights and sounds from the battle field from his past begin to reform in his mind, as he begins to sweat he moves closer and closer near the front line until he finds himself right on the front line near Magnus,
He seems silent and scared but readies himself to the fight.
Front line, never liked it.....always death

"Vodhan will guide your hand, Lijan. Open that door for us, then run back here to stand next to me. We will face our fate side-by-side," Magnus says.

Magnus will cast bless so it affects Lijan, Klodd and Ayita, then position himself to help Lijan make sneak attacks when the battle begins.

The blond man draws his sword across the heel of his shield hand, then uses the blood to trace a triangle on his forehead.

"Blind God, blood-giver, life-ender, grant us the courage to face death and the skill to outpace it. Look upon our drawn blades with favor and help us to sheathe them in the flesh of our enemies."

Histoff feels the fear, He is breathing harder now .
Magnus encouragement makes Histoff open the door and run back to the front.
Standing near Magnus, Histoff feels something else simillar to fear.
As if Magnus ritual and words gave him something .
And he begins to smile as a result of what he feels

Klodd nods in appreciation, and tenses himself waiting for whatever lurks behind the door.