5E Adventure HATJ

Game Master Dewyn

PbP for Hoard of the Dragon Queen!

Herro?

We last left our adventurers in a cave resting after their long journey to the raiders camp in search of a half elf monk.

You emerge from the cave into the dawn, rubbing the sleep from your eyes and taking in your surroundings. Most of the raiders pay little notice to the two of you and seem to be going about doing common tasks.

Lighting is considered dim and a mist clings to the ground with the cool air holding it in place. The smell of dew and smoldering camp fires fill your senses.

An extended rest was taken, spells and HP are back to full.

Feeling revived after the rest, I'm eager to find our monk. I want to be as discrete as possible so I look around for where I might find the prison, and to get a general idea of how the raiders in the camp move about.
I do a quick gear check- daggers, sword cinch my belt tight and put a hand on my coin curse, just to make sure it's still there.
I call out to my wizard companion and ask if he's ready to go.
"You ready mage? We gotta get moving if we're gonna find this monk before they kill him. Hopefully they havn't tortured him too bad by now.."

The Mage stirs from his slumber and straightens out his robes, and checks his own equipment.

"Very well.." He says as he collects himself. " It may be best to be discrete..but we may not want to rouse any suspicion upon ourselves"

"Agreed, try not to do anything too...wizardish while we're out there."

The wizard and I step out among the raider crowd doing our best to blend and look too busy to talk to, and make our way 'round to the prisoner cages ever on the look-out for our monk.

I pay particular attention to how the raiders engage each other. Are they pleasant, are they pissy or are they military in nature? Everything depends on us blending in after all...

You don't see much in the way of prisoner cages, although tents do litter the area maybe he may reside in there?.. You are still at the front of the camp, as far as you can tell there aren't many prisoners or slaves about considering how close it is to the entrance.

Most of the Raiders seem "pleasant" kobolds scurry about and most seem engaged in daily tasks. No one is pissy and most actually seem to still be in good cheer from the haul they got from Greenest. As you make your way around the camp you do notice one thing..

Some of the raiders seem to be giving a salute, a man looks to be giving orders to a group and at the end he raises his right hand, fingers out stretched and you hear him shout "Praise Tiamat's Glory!" The others return their salute and go about their duties...

The man barking orders might just be the guy to help me find my monk- but it'll be risky. Still, I certainly can't go poking my head into tents without drawing too much attention, I'll have to be pointed in the right direction...
I take a deep breath to summon my courage and approach the man. I make a perception check to try and determine his rank- looking for insignia or anything on his uniform that might give me any hints.
As I approach the man and shout a confident Praise Tiamat's Glory! Good morning sir, I've been assigned to question the prisoners for intel. Who might be in charge of the prisoners that I might arrange my interrogations?
I roll a perception check (proficient) 12
I roll a deception check (proficient) 16

You notice nothing of interest when it comes to his uniform. The only thing you do notice really is they don't really have a uniform, between the men he was talking to and those around him they don't have anything they share in common.

The man rolls his eyes and sigh " You're new right?.." He points to a cluster of tents a short distance away " The prisoners are held over there in one of those tents, your brother Dragon Claws should be watching over them or putting them to work, now please if you could leave me to my work.. We have much to do before we leave tomorrow."

He turns away and continues doing whatever it is people in charge do.. He seems to be talking logistics of the camp with the others. One of the men asks " Sir, what of the eggs?" he sighs again and throws up his hands " I don't know! Let Rezmir handle that! It's her little project!"

Hmm...eggs? I'll be sure to keep my eyes out for those- loosing them will likely be a significant blow to these criminals. Still, the monk is my mission here. I will find and rescue him first. Anything else is only jewels on the crown.
I make my down to the tents the sir pointed out to me. I do my best to scout ahead- looking for guards and getting a general idea of how alert the guards (if any) are.
I find a kobold near the prisoner the tents and ask with authority in draconic, "Is Lord Dragon Claws nearby? I have business with him."
I take the opportunity to peak inside a nearby tent as I ask, looking for a half elf inside who looks like he might be able to handle himself...
Should the Dragon Claws be close, I intend to be as far away from him as possible. More than likely, Dragon Claws is a little more sharp than the clueless kobolds scurrying around, and I'd rather not find an excuse to point myself out to him.
Deception Check: 12

The Kobold stops and seems a bit reluctant to speak with you and very nervous, usually they get orders yelled at them or abused if they don't finish quickly

"Eh Dragon Claws?..um yes! hehe..yes they are here?"

He points to a group of four armed guards with a loose patrol between the tents. He scurries off trying to escape any future abuse.

The tent you walk by does seem to hold a prisoner..although the glance was to short and the light a little dim to determine who it was..

You hear a familiar voice drawing closer..it is harsh and in-human. Glancing over your shoulder you see that it's none other than Langdedrosa Cyanwrath! the Dragon Born that had defeated you in single combat.. He is approaching quickly and will surely recognize you!

((I'm sorry I re-read my post and realized how that came off, Dragon Claws is the name of the 'monster' and essentially it's just an advanced raider))

I take a look around to see if the coast is clear and cast Minor Illusion to create a sound illusion near the kobold whom I just spoke with as it scurries away. The illusion shouts in a kobold's voice, " LORD LANGDEDROSA! PLEASE SIR, YOU ARE NEEDED AT THE FRONT GATE! PLEASE, COME RIGHT AWAY! "

I weep for the kobold that gets blamed for that false order, but the raiding kobolds are hardly saints themselves. I'm sure the gods will find a way to forgive my tricky little ruse.

Hopefully, that gets the dragon born's attention for the time-being. I take the opportunity to duck into the tent that I couldn't quite see into whilst I have the chance.

Once inside the tent, I let my eyes adjust to the dim light and do my best to identify who the poor soul is imprisoned here...

The ruse seems to distract them long enough for you to duck inside before being noticed..

Your half elvish eyes easily adjust to the dim light and before you sits another elf, although he doesn't match the description of the monk. He seems to be another prisoner, his weapons have been removed but he still wears his leather armor.. It almost seems tribal in appearance. He looks a bit roughed up but nothing that can't be taken care of with a day's rest..

I approach the cage and take a hard look at the lock and consider if it's worth picking.

I steal another quick glimpse around for anything of value- the elf's weapons, gold, maps, etc.

"Are you fit enough to walk elf? I can free you, but I must find one of my kin, though I do not know him- a monk I'm told. Do you know where he is being kept? Or when the guard will return to check on you? Please, You will be free before I'm done here, but I could use your help with this."

Sorry, should of mentioned; no cage, just bound well. Also there is nothing of value in the tent

I quickly move to unbind, or cut free the elf if necessary before any guards might come back.

I don't suppose you might be handy with a bow, if it comes to that? Are you well enough to run? We might need to leave in a hurry...

I take a peak outside of the tent to see if any guards are about.

Do you know where a half elven monk might be here in the camp? He'll likely be a prisoner. I must free him before I leave the camp. ...we're going to need to find you something else to wear. Something a little more raider-like and little less recently-escaped prisoner.

I stand up and glance around for my equipment

"Thank you for the help, I'm better with a Javelin then a bow but clearly not perceptive enough to notice these goons sneaking up on me. They took me for a spy, bound me and threw me in this tent. I did not see much on the way in to the camp but I do think i saw someone who may match that description in the far back of the camp."

"A javelin, I have not. But hide this dagger on you- let's hope we don't come across a reason for you have to use it. I think it's best if we act like you're my prisoner until we can find you a disguise. I've been passing for one of them, wearing this garb. Hopefully we can find this monk unharmed, and all of us sneak the hell out of here. I hope you won't mind your wrists bound again and this knife in your back, but I have to sell the ruse. Let's go before someone comes to check on you. I'd prefer to make as little wake here as possible."

I unsheathe my other dagger and move to leave the tent, intent on making our way deeper into the camp, to the back, where the monk might be kept.

Insert transfering Chewbacca to the dentention block joke here

I hide the knife in my boot

"Wouldn't be the first time I had a knife at my back, let's do what we have to do to get out of here"

You start to escort your new found 'prisoner' out of the tent, it's getting later in the day and you see more of the camp has been packed up..The Raiders seem to be getting ready for a move.

As you make your way to the back of the camp you are stopped by another officer. After assessing the situation he looks from elf to half elf seemingly perplexed

"What's going on here?.."

"Prisoner almost escaped. I'm taking it to a more secure part of the camp for interrogation. He'll be going with us when we move out. He's familiar with the surrounding wood, and might prove useful for now."

Deception Check deception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

The officer stares blankly at you as he processes your story. He looks over each shoulder at the surrounding crags and hills.

" What woods? " he takes a step back drawing his blade. " GUARDS! "

Before you can react raiders begin to run up assessing the situation. Seeing the captains blade drawn towards you they begin to bind your hands and take your weapons. After some discussion Aren hears a familiar voice..

" Hello Half-Elf.." it turns out to be none other than Langdedrosa the half dragon warrior!

After marching through the camp Aren is shoved into a tent and followed shortly by Langdedrosa. As you take in your surroundings you see a human female sitting before you. Langdedrosa tells her of his find, After a long pause she speaks

" I am Frulam Mondath.. Tell me your story and quickly half elf.."

"Nothing remarkable to detail madam...though, some months ago, while mapping an ancient elf ruin, the ceiling collapsed killing my master and trapping me within the ruble. I dug myself out over the next few days. I crawled out from the ruin and quite literally stumbled across some kind strangers who guided me to the nearest town and guildhall, as I am a member there.

I am here to discover your intent, whether you plan to siege us again or not. Though I find myself again, regretting a decision..."

Deception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 To deceive my point as to why I'm in the camp.

Frulam rubs her chin and ponders the story. She then waves a hand to the half deagon who exits the tent. He returns with the wood elf and puts him before her.

" Another elf..and what say you? Why did your friend here come and try to release you?

"You said it yourself, would you leave a friend behind?"

Deception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

Frulam digests the two stories of the elves sitting before her, she takes a deep breath and let's it out slowly pondering her choice

" tie them both, execute them at dawn." she waves her hand and Langdredosa escorts you out. A few more guards help escort to the back of the camp. You are sat down and your arms are bound behind tall posts. It's relatively dark now and with the dawn comes your fate..

But fate can be fickle, as you look to your right there is a third post.. And tied to it is none other than Leosin.. The monky you have been searching for.

"Well...gents, it's safe to say our situation hasn't improved much. How do you think they'll kill us? A traditionally hanging? Or exotic animal mauling?"

I look over to the monk and ask, "I know don't suppose you know why I'm here monk? The Greenest mayor personally asked me to come here for you. It seems we three need rescuing now. If you've had a plan to escape for yourself all along, I'm all ears. And since we've got some time on our hands, you wouldn't happen to know about any dragon eggs that might be laying around here, would you?"

Leosin hangs head for a second and tilts it back, he doesn't look he's is good shape. The raiders have starved him and left him in the elements in an attempt to break his spirit. He mumbles and you're able to catch some of it, he seems very disoriented.

" Yes!.. Yes Greenest.. The mayor.. Raiders.. Tried.. Tried to sneak in but caught.. The cult, Cult of the Dragon.. Trying to find next target.. "

He fades in and out and has a hard time explaining his findings.

I try to stand up off my butt and attempt to climb the pole facing away from it. Reverse Mulan style

athletics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Remind me to get a stiff drink after this...

I do my best to get off the pole and not break my leg(s), back, etc.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

"Impressive, but this knife should do the trick"

I atempt to retrieve the hidden dagger from my boot to free myself and the others

Sleight of hand: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

literally no idea what to describe what I just read

So you have the half-elf monk and are free from your bindings. Chances are you will be discovered soon. You're at the back of the raider camp and it's past dusk and night out with camp fires dotting the area.

"Well elf, do you have any particular reason to linger here much longer? I could leave anytime myself. We found the monk in good shape...more or less and this might be the best and only time to slip away."

I do a quick gear check as I talk- looking for anything that the raiders may have taken off my person, and to see what I have on me right now.

clothes and armor are still on but weapons were taken away.

"it's certinly time to make our leave"

I look all around us to access our situation and get an idea of where any guards are and the best direction to slip away

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Your elven eyes easily pick out the enemies wandering the camp, the raiders seem confident from their attack on Greenest still and expect little in return of a counter attack. Patrols are loose but you can expect to have a guard come by here and soon.

"I think I've made enough bad decisions for one daring rescue, let's go, quiet as the night."

stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

I help up the monk and follow along

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

You skirt the edges of the camp, Leosin limping a long with you. As you reach the edges and the safety of the crags and hills you hear horns blowing from the camp and shouts. Leosin looks back

" We had best make haste to Greenest.. They know we've escaped"

You spend the next day traveling and finally arrive back in Greenest, with out too much trouble on the way back. Leosin is immediately scooped up by his brother monks and they take him away explaining that he may need a few days to recover.

Govenor Nighthill approaches you.

"Thank you Adventurer.. Hopefully leosin will be able to shed light on why the raiders would of sacked the town.. But as promised, 200 gold pieces for the each of you for rescuing Leosin and risking your lives for us again. Thank you. If you need anything please do not hesitate to ask"

add 200 gp to each of your inventory, use the down time in the village to get a little bit of role play in/purchase equipment for the next session. You both advance to level 3 and if any gear is purchased list it along with it's price. if something isn't available I'll make you aware

I would like to buy

x12 Javelin / 24lbs total / 6 GP total

x1 Leather armor/ 10 Lbs/ 10 GP

x1 Explorers Pack/ 69 Lbs/ 10 GP
· Backpack
· Bedroll
· Mess Kit
· Rations (1 day) x10
· Hempen Rope (50 feet)
· Tinderbox
· Torch x10
· Waterskin

Current Total Weight = 97 lbs of 225
Current Total GP = 174

Approved. Keep track on your character profile on here for me too please :>

Thank you Governor Nighthill for the gold and your praises. It is a tragedy what has happened to your town and your people. I know that there will likely be continued struggles as you recover from this travesty.

Might you recommend a place that still stands to find a warm bed and cold ale? I've also found myself a heavy with coin recently and would like to deposit it into one of your fine establishments around town. Any recommendations?

Just RP no need really for recommendations

Studded Leather Armor 45gp
Riding Horse 75gp
Saddle, Riding 10gp
Saddle Bags 4 gp
Feed 10 Days 5sp
Explorer's Pack 10gp
Stiff Drinks 1sp

Most of time downtime is spent at the guildhall, cleaning up, taking notes and inventory should I need to report to the other headmasters elsewhere.

I am also interested in getting to know my elf companion. What's his name? Where does he come from? What does he do for a living?

Approved, update your character sheet to reflect as well!

After resting I decide it a good idea to introduce myself to my fellow escapee, I go to find my fellow adventurer

“Hello friend, now that we have had a minute to rest I felt it would be good to introduce myself. My name is Bayard Aymon and I come from a small woodland tribe of hunters, we seek to slay the biggest prey the land has to offer. I was out on my initiation hunt when those goons snuck up on me, I cannot return home until I have a worthy Kill to present. Since my mishap with the raiders I have decided this hunt may not be best taken alone. If your travels may bring you across any manner of impressive beasts or otherwise, I would be honored to join you.”

"No impressive beasts come to mind, but I'll keep a keen eye out for you friend. It's a pleasure to meet you Bayard. I am Aren, of Locke, an established member of the Guild of Artifacts though, my lifestyle isn't quite as exciting as yours seems to be. I came to town hoping to visit the guildhall here and found the town under siege. If your travels may bring you across any manner of impressive treasure or otherwise, I would be honored to join you.

Come Bayard, let's go enjoy a cold over-priced ale together, on me.

I proceed to drank all the drank :)

After a few days Leosin seems to of stabilized and returned to good spirits. Our heroes are summoned to the keep, finding Leosin and another man talking in his room. Leosin smiles and greets you.

" Hello again adventurers, thank you for my rescue from the camp.. I have been trailing the cult for months now..But I assume I owe you some type of explanation about all of this."

He beings to sit up wincing in pain, but managing on his own.

" They are called the Cult of the Dragon..and they have one purpose. To bring back Tiamat, the dragon queen and goddess of the evil dragons. They have been very hard to track, operating in small cells scattered through out the land. But after noticing a pattern in their operations I was able to pin point Greenest as the next target. You see, they seem to be amassing a horde of treasure as all dragons have a desire for riches and share a deep lust for gold and Tiamat is no different..in honor of her return they are creating a great horde. Where they are taking it? I do not know..this is something that must be further investigate. In the camp was a cave that some of the elite went in and out of and it was well known to of protected a clutch of dragon eggs.. I'm sorry to ask to risk yourselves again but what ever dark ritual is going on in there must be stopped, and it also may have clues as to where they are going to place the great horde for the ritual. I will offer you both payment for your troubles..return to me when this is complete and we may discuss our next course of action. "

" I cannot speak for Bayard, but I will leave at once. This issue affects the entire realm and will have my full support. Heal quickly Leosin, you have done a great thing to gather all of this information at great risk to yourself.

"This dragon sounds like a grand hunt, I will join you"