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

Game Master Terquem

"Victor, you are being surprisingly generous. Thank you."

"Mister Harry. Did you get a good sight of these elves? Do they have any distinguishing features that we might recognize them by?"

"Being magnanimous does nit come to me easily. I had to fight hard for my birthrite and it was stripped away as easily as these thieves stole the halflings gem. I must keep all I have if I am to return to my rightful place, sometimes though we must do the right thing even if to our detriment".

Sigil looks at Victor, the sweat of his brow starting to cloud his vision due to the heat located in the armor, but his refusal to remove it is unwavering. Perhaps you will find some sort of sympathy with these poor halflings, for you see they too were stripped of their birthrite, probably by so called nobles demanding recompense. This is something you and I are familiar with. One seeks to recover the other wishes to abandon his title.

He pauses for a moment to stretch his back, The road to the Hell's is said to be paved with good intentions.

[ooc]Out of curiousity what season is it?[/b]

Klodd sees no reason to help with the loading of the wagon, so heads towards the bridge a bit, just to scout things out.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 Perception

The first post mentioned it was the middle of spring.

"Aww Victor, I think I just caught a glimpse of your soft side. Rest assured, I will not ask for any of your other possessions and as promised I will replace your donkey in Seaport."

"You are quiet right, Mr. Caldwell. Of course the safety of the people comes first. Others of my tribe are experienced in dealing with wild animals. Alas, I am not. I shall pray to Mielikki for guidance on this matter."

Ayita lowers her head and mumbles to herself in Elvish, "What would Rowtag do in this situation? He'd find a way to save the wolves..."

Ayita recognizes the cleric's actions as similar to rituals the shamans of her tribe would use to portend significant events. Still she is put off by his grim statements. Ayita also has little interest in accumulating treasure and turns away from the fighter's discussion for now. She scootches next to the handsome bard who so far seems to be the most likeable of the group (at least to her).

She extends a hand to him."My name is Ayita. This is a customary human greeting, yes?"

Ayita receives Inspiration for mentioning her idol

Klodd sits silent for the most part, but if you watch him you don't have any doubts where he stands on things.

• Klodd Raises his eyebrows at Victor's first statement.
  
• He gasps in amazement at Ayita's statement about running off the wolves.
  
• "I'll bet those wolves would make for some fine winter cloaks myself". He then slaps his leg laughing at his bad joke.
  
• He nods at Magnus's inquisition about treasure.
  
• He is in the middle of a big drink of his ale when Victor mentions giving back heirlooms and treasures, and chokes nearly asphyxiating himself, as he stands to cough, and spit.
  

Klodd receives Inspiration for an I'll spoken joke

"The elf speaks wisdom," Magnus says as the group of probationers files out of the room toward the training hall. "We should also take some time to share our preferred methods of battle, so we will know who is best on the front line and who is better skulking in the back or casting the runes. Me, I prefer to fight with axe or sword and a heavy shield, so I can look my foe in the eye when he dies and hear the crows' whispers as they carry his spirit away."

Magnus receives Inspiration for, um well, being Magnus every time he speaks

Perry nods at Klodd and Ayita's hesitations about the mules.

"Yeah, I'm not sure that plan will go as smoothly as you hope. I mean, it will certainly make the trip there easier, but I would advise against loading up more than you're able to carry back. Speaking of which," Perry says, turning to Lijan, "Do you want me to carry your tent for you?"

Perry receives Inspiration for putting another ahead of his own needs, despite his noble birth

Victor turns to no one in particular,"Are we getting paid to help them?"

Victor receives Inspiration, for possibly working out the beginning of an elaborate scheme to swindle the halflings, only to have the overwhelming sense of good deed doing of the group get in the way

Day 1, Wednesday approximate time of day, 12:30 pm (turn 76). Location: Mackenzie Bridge Crossing, Harrispania. [b]Lighting is by day light.

While some of the group helps to reload the small wagon, and a donkey is fitted to the yoke, Klodd wanders closer to the wide, wood covered Mackenzie bridge.

He takes notice of the fine craftsmanship (though he has certainly seen it before) and thinks about how much labor, design, and engineering went into the effort.

He does not see anything out of the ordinary, though he does take notice of one small thing, quite natural but worth taking note of

When Nail asks the Halflings about the bandits, Hillary replies

Yes, they fled back that wayShe points across the riverWe watched them head west after they crossed. There were seven of them, I think, all elves, all wearing masks across their eyes, the masks were made of heavy green cloth.

No one needs to roll to know that banditry, in this part of the country, on the southern border, is not uncommon, but that rarely are there reports of bandits doing more harm than a bruise, or a knock on the head. Violent Crimes, such as murder, will get a swift sentence of hanging, in Alodoa, if the accused is found guilty. Even theft of a pony, will not get you hanged here, but typically, thieves and robbers are shipped to Orimar (Urandoma) to work as conscripted labor in chain gangs, or in the copper mines of the central highlands

The Cart is finally fully loaded, and Harry hands Perry a small piece of paper with this written on it

Two strands of natural fresh water pearls, each seventeen inches long, lustrous white with some pink hued individual pearls - one ruby, small, four or five carats - two emeralds, small each five to eight carats, - one small amethyst, mounted in a gold setting,dark in color with red streaks visible deep in the stone, worth 100 gold pieces, - 2 large uncut blue turquoise stones

If you find these items and can bring them to us at Gaderston, I'll pay a finders fee of twenty gold pieces for each piece recovered. I'll be reporting these as stolen, to the sheriff of Gaderston as soon as we get home.

yikes - Edited to be pearls, not Pears, sheesh, thanks Perry

I'm going to assume that "pears" is a typo, though reading it as intentional makes the situation much more entertaining. ;)

Perry, skims the note as Harry speaks, then nods in acknowledgement and smiles. "Got it. Best of luck to both of us, then!"

Good luck Halflings Histoff says in halfling.

"Perhaps we should discretely inquire further about these bandits as we pass through Seaport? It is possible that they are know in these parts. Also do you think they might have tried to sell off the loot on their way back to their lair? If someone tipped them off, they may already have a buyer."

" West, hmm, the very direction we are headed. There's a chance these elves could be using the castle as their hideout. So there is a chance we'll be able to recover your gems. " Niall replies to Hillary.

With the reloading complete I get back into my cart.

" I don't think we need to go to seaport its southeast from here and out of our way... "

" ...The castle is southeast of Pawkatukit, about four miles as the crow flies, but you have to travel east, along the River Road all the way to the Mackenzie Bridge, that’s where the Gillian road meets the River road, then take the bridge, and the Gillian road south, across the river. Now as soon as you cross the river, you’ll be looking south, and to the southeast, if you follow the road, you’d reach Seaport in about seven more miles, but you’ll go west, off the road to reach the castle, ... "

"My mistake. I thought the Seaport was at the intersection where we turn west. I guess I was mistaken and it is further down. I think it's best to head straight for Castle Caldwell then."

"We could head to seaport fine inns there. Why I bet we could hire a dozen henchmen for half of what we are getting paid to clear out the riff Raf and enjoy a well deserved rest to boot!"

" Well, yes, I suppose we could do that but I don't think we'd be likely to win back the respect of the solution society that way. Especially if it led to the failure of the mission. We'd all be finished then. "

How much time has passed since the elven attack?

Survival to look for traps?
1d20 ⇒ 8

"Failure? Why we will not hire fools, we will hire the most capable men half of our accumulated wealth can buy. Then in a weeks time we come to check on their progress, no doubt they will have made some headway. Even if they clear out, let's say half of the dangers, that leaves only the other half for us. We are the Solution Society! Not all solutions require brawn, sometimes we need to use our intelligence as well Niall!"

Magnus shakes his head at Victor's speech.

"Gilded words are worth no more than gilded coins. Brains are for making battle plans, not tricking others into lifting your sword for you," he says. "Your arm seems strong enough - you must exercise your resolve if you wish it to be strong, as well."

Shouldering his pack, the big man begins walking down the road toward Caldwell's castle.

"Perhaps we will find these elves along the way. If the gods will it we will find something to test our mettle and allow us to earn a seat at the gods' table."

"No tricks here, an honest days work for an honest days pay. If you are all so inclined to have at these ruffians and wild beasts than my sword is with you. Know though Magnus Ravenson that Generals create battle plans with armies to fight for them, they do not face their enemies on their own..."

"Hiring others goes against the spirit of our quest. This mission was tasked to us and we must be the ones to complete it. The shamans of my tribe teach us to lead through example. We will prove our own worth by succeeding here by our own strength."

"The Solution Society will hear of our bravery and we will be praised upon our return."

"Yes those that live are the stuff of ballads those that fail the stuff of shallow graves. Let us off then and hope that destiny finds as part of the former and not the latter".

Perry finds himself quietly looking at the ground when Ayita speaks of everyone proving their worth by succeeding by their own strength.

"Somethings a bit fishy here. That water seems to be quite a bit higher than it should for this time of year".

Klodd takes a couple of large stones and throws them into the water beneath the bridge.

"Might want to be wary crossing to be sure there's no surprises waiting in the water. Maybe we should send across the loud arguing folk first to draw out any ambushes".

"The water is raised? Could someone or something be damming it?"

"If you think there might be an ambush, I didn't mind volunteering to scout across the bridge first so that the entire party doesn't get caught unawares. We should definitely leave the cart on this side of the river until we know it is safe to cross. We wouldn't want to lose all our gear before we get to our destination."

Is the river flowing east or west?

If Ayita (or anyone else) is going to scout ahead alone, I'll first give them a Bardic Inspiration die (description in my profile).

"The water likely is up because it has been raining - and if we don't all start walking, it will soon be snowing," Magnus says, boldly leading the way across the intimidating crossing.

The Mackenzie River Bridge is solid, well built, wide, and covered by a roof. The sides are open between the railing of the bridge (to keep people from accidentally stepping off, naturally) and the roof giving spectacular views upstream (to the west) and downstream (to the east, and very far downstream you see a bend in the river where it gradually turns southward, and there just at the limit of your vision you see a small boat, probably a small row boat – The closest place to safely launch a boat into the river, to the east, is a little village called Picket Point, just a couple of miles upriver from Seaport, and that is at least a good five miles downriver from the bridge, so whomever is in that boat has rowed upriver a good distance for some reason?).

The view upriver, to the west, is of the high bank of the river on each side, fields to the north and forest to the south, but from the first section of the bridge, you can see the hill where Castle Caldwell is located, on the south side of the river, about a mile back to the west.

The view downriver is of the gradually lowering banks, until about two miles to the east the river and the banks are almost at the same elevation, but the sides of the river in that direction are densely forested, right to the water’s edge.

The bridge is made up of three separate structures, all built in a similar way. The first two sections each have a central built foundation pylon in the center, and where they come together there is a very large boulder that juts up from the river bottom. The second section of the bridge ends on a small island in the river just a short distance from the south bank. This island is idyllic, only about forty yards north to south, and about twenty yards east to west, with a few small trees, and thick green grass mixed with spring wild flowers. The last section of the bridge leaves the island and connects to the south bank of the river.

On the island, you see marks in the grass of a wagon passing recently, and several crossing boot prints (going north and south).

Once you have crossed the bridge (without incident) you see the Gillian Road going south-southeast, and a sign that reads “Seaport 8 Miles” pointing to the that direction.

Just a hundred yards to the south-southeast, along the road, you see a trail, not more than ten feet wide, where the grass and wild flowers here have been trampled down repeatedly. This trail goes west, toward Castle Caldwell.

"Alright," Perry says, "If I'm remembering the directions correctly, the castle should be about a mile down this path, and up a hill. I also recall Mr. Nickels saying that the south side of the river was dangerous, so everyone stay alert; I don't want anyone el– I mean, don't want anyone dying on this mission, alright?"

"Oh good. We're almost there. If we don't run into too much trouble along the way, we should have enough time to set up a camp and scout the perimeter. I suggest we wait until morning to begin clearing the place out. I don't want to be caught in that castle at night just yet unless for some reason we have too."

I'm not sure if there is enough cover to stealth, but if there is, I'll roll for it. I only require lightly obscured foliage.
Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Also, I'll keep an eye out for any edible plants or animals (maybe a rabbit?) I can forage along the way to eat tonight instead of rations (yuck!).
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Histoff tries to find blind spot where in case of an ambushing enemy attack they won't find him....
stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

After settling for a blind spot Histoff tries to look for any clue of any amubush that might be ahead and also tries to look any clue for a band of bad elves.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

"I may be able to scout the ruins disguised as a Goblin, I would feel safer with at least one wall at my back rather than surrounded by the elements with only a cloth tent protecting me".

Ayita giggles at the thought of Victor disguised as a goblin.

"Victor I know you'd rather be staying at an inn. To be clear, I'm not opposed to camping in the castle but we don't know how many bandits and other monsters are in there and they probably won't take kindly to us moving in."

Persuasion: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
Sarcastically, "Your comfort is my primary concern."

"No matter where we end up, I shall pray for Mielikki to watch over us and keep us safe through the night."

"Well at least one of you is concerned for my well being", whether Victor gets Ayita's sarcasm he does not let on.

"Perhaps you think me a mere fop. I have fought countless enemies on the battlefields of my homelands. A deep trek into the woods is fraught with danger even when one is not positive danger is about. Here we know that enemies lurk just beyond yon tree. If we camp in the middle of the woods there should be at least two of us on guard at all times and even that cannot ensure that we will not be knifed in our sleep as most of us cannot see in the dark well or at all. A defensible wall, even one as damaged as the Keep is better than nothing. I make my offer, if you should all choose to scoff at it then I shall merely pitch my tent and let us be done with this wretched day and hope for a better tomorrow".

Perry rubs his temples.

"I do apologize. I may have misread you Victor. You make a good point. You have tactical experience whereas I have none. I know I can be strong-willed but I am also wise enough to defer to those with more knowledge than I. I intend only to contribute my opinions knowing that I have no aptitude for leadership."

In Elvish to herself, "Mielikki guide me."

" Let's head up to the castle, scout around a little and then make the decision. "

I am not so good with the scouting. Metal armor tends to make sounds. I am more in favor of the direct approach.

Victor removes his Disguise Kit from the wagon and begins to don the identity of a Goblin.

Disguise 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 I assume my +2 Proficiency and +1 Charisma are added to the roll.

Victor turns to Niall, "I will scout with you though my skills at stealth are to be fair mediocre at best".

Hunched over and walking with a funny gait, Victor the GGoblin takes to the underbrush to scout the Keep that lies ahead.

Stealth 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

" I was just saying that would be a good course of action. Not that we should all do the scouting. " Niall smiles. " I believe Ayita and Lijan have stated their abilities of staying hidden and quiet so they should lead the way. I can be fairly quiet as well so I don't mind coming. We can circle the castle and see what areas are inhabited and maybe find a good place to make that direct approach. "

Stealth : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Perception : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Can we stay in the trees and circle the castle to see if we can see the movements of any inhabitants?

"A wise army always scouts the opposition. I was never trained to be a scout, so I'll let you sneaky ones gather information. Then we can make an informed approach".

Histoff thinks to himself after Victor disguises himself
one less victor is one less goblins
and smiles

after Niall Histoff says

I think Ayita and I can scout although I don't believe we will find anything interesting for now

I rolled stealth previously. Do you need me to roll again? Also can we take 10? If so, I'll probably do that to stealth with a 15.

Day 1, Wednesday approximate time of day, 1:30 pm (turn 82). Location: Approaching Caldwell Castle, Harrispania. Lighting is by day light.

As the group was crossing the bridge, Sigil hangs back a bit to ask the Halflings about how much time has passed since the elven bandits attacked

The trail goes west, and when it turns to the left, going slightly southwest, it looks like it might be headed into the woods to the south, but then it turns to the right and goes north toward the Castle on the hill near the river.

When you are just at the base of the hill you look around to see what the terrain is like.

To the west of the hill the forest is dense, and comes up the hill to be almost right against the west wall of the castle. To the east of the hill there are no trees, but there is tall grass and bushes that come right up to the east wall of the castle. Looking north, toward the castle gatehouse, in the middle of the southern castle wall, facing you, the hill is covered with grass that is trampled down in many places, showing many paths that lead to the gatehouse, but if there was ever a path or road it is now overgrown.

There is no sign of anything moving on the castle walls. Two short towers stand on either side of the castle, to the east and to the west. The gatehouse is about ten feet higher than the walls which appear to be about fifteen feet high.

The group, with their small wagon, stops about a quarter of a mile from the castle, just at the base of the small hill, and from here Lijan and Ayita scout ahead. They sneak as close as they dare, moving low to try to take advantage of the overgrown grass and bushes. Once they are close to the castle they realize that if they scout any closer it will be difficult for the rest of the group to see them should they get into trouble, so they go back.

When they return, Victor has adopted the disguise of a very large goblin, and Niall has agreed to accompany them, leaving Klodd, Perry, Sigil, and Magnus to stay with the wagon. The four scouts set out again to circle the entire castle once before the group moves any closer.

Day 1, Wednesday approximate time of day, 2:0 pm (turn 85). Location: Approaching Caldwell Castle, Harrispania. Lighting is by day light.

An uncomfortable amount of time goes by, with the group at the wagon just beginning to get concerned about the safety of the scouts, when they suddenly return, having scouted the entire perimeter of the castle. They noticed the breaches in the walls just as Caldwell’s map describes, and saw no creatures moving about within the castle, though their ability to see in was limited.

"Well there is still time this afternoon. We didn't see anything in or around the castle so we don't have any estimates of the enemies numbers yet. My suggestion is to spend the afternoon setting up a defensible camp and seeing if anything exits the castle tonight. I'll defer to those with more experience to make a decision and I'll go with whatever the party wants to do."

"The lack of activity suggests the castle's inhabitants move at night, when we'll be most vulnerable," Magnus says, looking thoughtfully toward the keep. "Victor's point about finding a fortified place to camp was strong - and if we are here to clear the castle, why allow our foes the first strike? Why not take the guard house, or perhaps this tower near the damaged wall, while we still have light and surprise?"

We need time to clear that... histoff says and thinks for a second and says

on the other hand....it looks like a good plan, we could just overtake the guard house or some other good place to defend and then we can catch two birds, a place to stay in, with the added benefit of more easiness to defend
Histoff puts his hand on Magnus putting him and says
That is a good plan, I like it and smiles

Histoff thinks for a while about raindrops falling at night.
and says
I once slept in the rain....at a battlefield, with nothing to cover me...I really like the idea of sleeping in a much more waterproof place